Impacts of health insurance on older adults with histories of homelessness

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between having health insurance and securing unsubsidized housing among older adults with histories of homelessness. This study also examined individual and clinical factors that may contribute to having health insurance and establishing residency without housing assistance. Using data from the 2019 Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative, we identified 1,204 older adults aged 55 and over with histories of homelessness. Age, gender, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions were significant factors associated with having health insurance. After controlling for demographic characteristics and clinical factors, those who were covered by health insurance were more likely to secure unsubsidized housing (p=.011). In addition, those who reported alcohol use were less likely to reside in unsubsidized housing (p=.001). Findings from this study support the importance of having health insurance to support the transition from a state of homelessness to living within the community.

KEYWORDS:

• Homelessness
• healthcare access
• substance use
• alcohol
• community health

Acknowledgement

We appreciate the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (THHI)’s partnership. We especially appreciate Ms. Antoinette Hayes-Triplett, Mr. Antonio Byrd, Ms. Ashley Wynn, and Mr. Sergio Santiago for their advice on this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

There was no funding for this study.

Notes on contributors

Kathy Lee

Dr. Kathy Lee is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work (Gerontology).

Erin R. Murphy

Ms. Erin R. Murphy is a PhD Candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work.

Jessica Cassidy

Ms. Jessica Cassidy is a PhD student at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work.

Zhirui Chen

Ms. Zhirui Chen is a PhD student at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work.

Taeho Greg Rhee

Dr. Taeho Greg Rhee is an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Psychiatry) and Public Health (Health Policy and Management) at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and Yale University School of Medicine.