Title | Effect of the Economic Recession on Primary Care Access for the Homeless. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2016 |
Authors | White B, Jones WJ, Moran WP, Simpson KN |
Journal | J Health Care Poor Underserved |
Volume | 27 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 1577-91 |
Date Published | 2016 |
ISSN | 1548-6869 |
Keywords | Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Chronic Disease, Continental Population Groups, Economic Recession, Emergency Service, Hospital, Female, Health Services Accessibility, Homeless Persons, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Primary Health Care, Sex Factors, United States, Young Adult |
Abstract | Primary care access (PCA) for the homeless can prove challenging, especially during periods of economic distress. In the United States, the most recent recession may have presented additional barriers to accessing care. Limited safety-net resources traditionally used by the homeless may have also been used by the non-homeless, resulting in delays in seeking treatment for the homeless. Using hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitivity (ACS) conditions as a proxy measure for PCA, this study investigated the recession's impact on PCA for the homeless and non-homeless in four states. The State Inpatient Databases were used to identify ACS admissions. Findings from this study indicate the recession was a barrier to PCA for homeless people who were uninsured. Ensuring that economically-disadvantaged populations have the ability to obtain insurance coverage is crucial to facilitating PCA. With targeted outreach efforts, the Affordable Care Act provides an opportunity for expanding coverage to the homeless. |
DOI | 10.1353/hpu.2016.0104 |
Alternate Journal | J Health Care Poor Underserved |
PubMed ID | 27524786 |