This article in the Washington Post focuses on health care reform's effect on one of the most overlooked populations in the United States, the homeless. What is amazing is that with all the debate about the cost of illegal immigrants on our health care system, the cost of the homeless went unnoticed. According to advocates, the homeless, who are much more likely to be uninsured than the general population, are the most frequent users of the emergency room and inpatient hospital care. Hospitals must provide care to anyone claiming to be suicidal and this requirement is often exploited by people who are looking for a warm, safe place to sleep. This creates a burden on the hospitals and taxpayers who are paying to fund such a system. In order for any reform to be responsible and truly effective, there must be some kind of funding to facilitate social services.We as a country must address the social issues of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness while assessing the costs of united health care.The Obama administration is trying to make health care a right while basic needs such as shelter and food are still privileges for many.
Full article can be found at The Washington Post online
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