NAEH: Homelessness & COVID-19: Considerations and Action Steps

AUTHORITY: National Association of Community Health Centers, the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and UnitedHealthcare Community & State

DATE PRODUCED: March 23, 2020

TYPE: Guidance / Protocol

THE QUESTIONS IT ANSWERS: 

• Why are people experiencing homelessness at risk for contracting the coronavirus?
• What steps should city/county government, homeless providers, and state Medicaid agencies take to prevent COVID-19 from spreading to homeless populations?
• What federal appropriations are needed to combat COVID-19?
• What can Managed Care Organizations do to help?

SHORT DESCRIPTION: With COVID-19 spreading quickly, we need a fast and coordinated response from every level of government, as well as collaboration with homeless services providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like Healthcare for the Homeless Council, and managed care organizations (MCOs). The National Association of Community Health Centers, National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and UnitedHealthcare Community & State have partnered to create a list of recommendations that state and local governments, state Medicaid agencies, and Medicaid health plans can advance to support this particularly vulnerable population during the current critical public health crisis.