Street Medicine

This issue brief provides a snapshot of contracting efforts between a sample of Medi-Cal managed care plans and street medicine providers. It examines the impact that those contracts are having on street medicine providers’ financial sustainability.

Although the health system cannot fix every part of the homelessness crisis, there are important roles it can play. CHCF envisions a future where different systems work together effectively so people are housed and healthy.

Sweeps cause patients to lose critical medications, identity documents, personal belongings, and even durable medical equipment. They harm people’s health, take an enormous emotional toll, and waste valuable health care resources, experts say.  

Over 70 homelessness and health care experts converged last fall to exchange ideas and spotlight innovative programs aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness. The meeting was part of the Partnerships for Action collaborative initiative spreading best practices across sectors.