How the Central Access Point Helpline connects callers to healthcare.
Housing is healthcare. Experiencing homeless has profound and far-reaching impacts on a person’s health.
Especially for someone sleeping “unsheltered”. That is, in a place not meant for human habitation. Is 4x as likely to die as someone sleeping indoors.
Some impacts are obvious. Physical exposure to the elements. Extreme weather conditions, whether it be the scorching heat, or freezing cold.
Oftentimes can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or heatstroke.
People experiencing homelessness often lack access to clean water. And sanitation facilities. Lack of good nutrition can lead to malnutrition.
And worsen chronic illness like diabetes and hypertension.
A constant level of stress and anxiety of being homeless can exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Or contribute to the development of new ones.
Plus, the trauma and isolation. Everyone can appreciate the importance of housing, proper nutrition. And access to healthcare.
Housing is Healthcare
That’s why the Central Access Point (CAP) Helpline is doing its part. To not only answer 40,000 – yes, 40,000 – calls per year.
But work with each caller to connect him or her to the benefits and services they need. And are entitled to.
Working with all seven Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) in Ohio, callers are referred to their managed care benefits.
The caller does not need to try to navigate the maze of insurance coverage. Instead with client permission, CAP Specialists contact the MCO. And get the process for potential benefits started.
All offer different benefit programs. Many include providing qualifying households with rental subsidies. And/or housing navigators.
Through July, 78% of callers reported that they have health insurance. Also 92% of callers with insurance provided consent to connect them to their healthcare provider.
In total, 2,994 households were connected to their MCO.
These partnerships are still new. But more will be done to build on the first year’s successes. The team intends to implement more targeted questions. So that the most vulnerable households are prioritized.
And tailor questions to what MCOs can provide. For instance, many have critical post-partum services that households could be connected to if they qualify.
