Prior to 2014, most unhoused people were uninsured. The expansion of Medicaid to single adults through the Affordable Care Act has been a vital benefit for people experiencing homelessness and the health care providers who serve them. As Congress considers cuts to Medicaid—including policies that limit eligibility and reduce coverage—it is important to understand the […]
Homelessness and Medicaid: What’s the Connection? Read More >>
Medicaid is a vitally important health insurance program for people experiencing homelessness and the health care providers who serve them. In 2023, over half (55%) of nearly 1 million Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) patients were insured through Medicaid. The program covers a wide range of health care services (such as hospital care and
Impact of Medicaid Work Requirements for Unhoused People Read More >>
Improving health depends on accessing health care services and engaging in appropriate treatment. People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of chronic medical conditions, acute illnesses, and behavioral health issues compared to their housed counterparts, which contributes to poor health and earlier mortality. This population also experiences greater barriers to accessing care because they tend not
Fact Sheet: Health Insurance at HCH Programs 2023 Read More >>
This brief is intended to provide an update on the current state of opioid overdose and outpatient buprenorphine treatment in the United States. The brief will focus on disparities in treatment access and fatal overdose, as well as on opportunities to close care gaps and make buprenorphine treatment more accessible to people experiencing homelessness. Download
Opioid Overdose and Buprenorphine Access – 2024 Update Read More >>
Regardless of the political party in office, we remain steadfast in our mission to build an equitable, high-quality health care system in the movement to end homelessness. As a nonpartisan organization, we do not align with any political party. We will vigorously advocate for policies that support our mission and our community, and equally oppose
NHCHC Federal Policy Priorities: 2025-2029 Read More >>
The Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program has been part of the community health center program for 30 years, authorized under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. Funded and regulated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HCH programs are a “special populations” category of health centers that are required to
Health Care for the Homeless Programs Fact Sheet Read More >>
The election of Donald Trump as the 47th President will bring a significant shift in many areas of federal policy. Many of the proposed policy changes will significantly disadvantage unhoused people and the health care providers who serve them. This fact sheet focuses on those policies most impactful to the HCH Community, outlines the implications
Impact of the 2024 Election on the HCH Community Read More >>
The collection and use of homeless mortality data gives the public health community a better understanding of the “who, what, where, why, and how” people are dying while unhoused. It also identifies high-need areas and demographic disparities, informs funding and policy priorities, and allows public health authorities to respond more quickly with evidence-based interventions. Finally,
Mortality and Homelessness Fact Sheet Read More >>
