SCAN Health Plan is launching Healthcare in Action, a mobile physician unit that uses "street medicine" to address health disparities among California's homeless population.
Providing services Jan. 1, 2022, Healthcare in Action targets homeless individuals who qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, if not both, according to a July 8 press release. The release noted that about half of the homeless population qualifies for some form of health insurance.
"Homelessness among older adults is a healthcare tragedy unfolding on the streets of our communities every night," said Sachin Jain, MD, president and CEO of SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan. "For too long, homelessness has been defined as a housing issue alone. Oftentimes, healthcare problems cause homelessness and homelessness can exacerbate healthcare problems and make it harder for people to get back on their feet. We are making a major commitment to address the healthcare causes and effects of homelessness."
Healthcare in Action leverages capitation-based healthcare plans as well as community organizations like housing services providers.