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 prescription drugs) and allows states to tailor the program to meet unique needs of specific populations—like adding medical
respite care and supportive housing services.
The expansion of Medicaid to single adults has been a significant advancement for unhoused people. Since the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid in 2013, the rate of uninsured patients at HCH programs in expansion states has dropped by more than half –from 51% in 2013 to 21% in 2023.