Study shows S.C. homeless used $1 billion in health care over three years
March 29, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – A new study released by the South Carolina Coalition for the Homeless (SCCH) and United Way of the Midlands reveals that people who are homeless in South Carolina consumed more than $1 billion in health care between 2010 and 2012.
The study was done by matching client data from the state Homeless Management Information System with Medicaid and hospital data.
The report reveals factors contributing to the high cost of homelessness, including the insurance coverage gap between Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace; showing that about one-third ($342 million) of all charges were billed to individuals without insurance.
Single men in particular face coverage challenges, as they are less likely to be eligible for Medicaid. The findings show that 18 percent of men ages 35-44 were enrolled in Medicaid, compared to a 54 percent enrollment rate for women the same age.
The study also shows that just 5 percent of the homeless population accumulated nearly half (48 percent) of all Medicaid charges.
“This is consistent with what is happening in other states,” said Anita Floyd, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at United Way and past chair of the SCCH. “People who lack stable and safe housing have poor health and often rely on acute care services. They face more barriers to accessing health care and are less likely to receive important preventive services.”
“Housing individuals and families who are homeless improves health and reduces health care costs,” said Joey Smoak, current chair of SCCH. “It makes sense to balance resources between acute treatment and stable housing.”
Data analysis for this study was conducted by the Health Demographics Office at Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.
The full report is available at uway.org and schomeless.org.
These findings are based partially on aggregate Medicaid data obtained from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) but do not necessarily represent the official findings of SCDHHS.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 85 certified partner agencies, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.
About The South Carolina Coalition for the Homeless
The South Carolina Coalition for the Homeless is a statewide network of advocates, service providers and funders committed to ending homelessness. SCCH has three focus areas: researching the experience of homelessness in SC; advocating for people who are homeless by responding to state and federal homelessness policy; and promoting collaboration and peer support among those professionals working in the field and across the four continuums of care in the state. The Coalition is a nonprofit, volunteer organization developed to support and represent the four regional continuums of care.
