As of this writing, Virginia and Maine are on the cusp of expanding Medicaid coverage through the Affordable Care Act, an option that has drastically benefited people experiencing homelessness in states that haven chosen it so far. While this presents exciting opportunities for growth at Health Care for the Homeless health centers, it also brings unique challenges to which most HCH programs may not be accustomed.
In order to learn from the experience of HCH leaders who struggled through the difficulties and benefits of Medicaid expansion already, the Council hosted a videoconference on August 15, 2018, featuring staff from the HCH program in Richmond, Virginia, in addition to three health centers in Maine, who conversed with HCH members in Baltimore, Albuquerque, and Portland OR.
While the presentation was only semi-formal, this recording should be beneficial to other HCH programs in Virginia and Maine, in addition to those in any other state on the verge of expanding Medicaid.
Speakers:
- Barbara DiPietro, PhD, Senior Director of Policy, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Baltimore, MD
- Trish Grand, Chief Finance & Administration Officer, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Albuquerque, NM
- Kevin Lindamood, MSW, President & CEO, Health Care for the Homeless Inc, Baltimore, MD
- Rachel Solotaroff, MD, President & CEO, Central City Concern, Portland, OR
