Key Takeaways
- On a single night in 2017, more than half a million Americans were homeless. Hospitalization rates and emergency room use can be up to three to four times higher for those without a home.
- Health insurance providers design housing solutions to fit the needs of the people they serve. They offer safe and affordable housing options that improve health and ultimately reduce costs.
- Successful housing solutions typically combine housing assistance with community-based support and on-site health care. Together, these services ensure that people have access to both medical and nonmedical help for better health and stability.
Background
A person’s health is influenced by many factors, including housing, education, employment, and access to food. These factors, sometimes referred to as social determinants or social influencers of health, are defined by the conditions and environment in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.