(Altman).
Poor health is not only a cause of homelessness, but it is also a major result of homelessness. An injury or illness can start out as a health condition, but quickly lead to an employment problem due to the individual missing too much time from work. After they exhaust their sick leave, and fail to maintain a regular work schedule, many individuals find themselves homeless. Individuals that work in fields such as manufacturing, construction and other labor-intensive industries are often the first to find them missing work from an injury or illness. When an individual loses their job, they often lose their health care benefits. With little to no income, and no health insurance, an injury or illness can quickly lead to homelessness. .
Throughout the country, middle class citizens are struggling to keep above water. Therefore the situation that the homeless are facing is of less urgency. Cutbacks in state and federal funding have also had an effect of those that serve the homeless. The Health care reform has provided an opportunity for many states to reevaluate their Medicaid programs. Although every state has different terms in regards to their Medicaid program and who may qualify, many homeless individuals are now able to gain health insurance, where they previously did not qualify. .
The expansion of Medicaid has led to a significant increase in coverage and improved access to care for homeless individuals. A focus group made up of administrators, providers and enrollment workers, at four sites which serve the homeless, throughout the country reported findings that the Medicaid expansion has enabled patients to access many services that they could not obtain while they were uninsured. Providers also noted that there was an increase in individual's ability to maintain employment, and provide a secure home environment because the individuals were having their health conditions addressed and they were less financially stressed.
