ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - August 13, 2009
Among the nearly 50 million additional Americans who would
benefit from having health coverage are an unknown number of
homeless, who would become eligible for Medicaid under proposals
being considered in Congress.
Many homeless do not seek or receive primary care, instead
turning up in hospital emergency rooms when illnesses such as high
blood pressure, diabetes or respiratory ailments flare up.
Homeless people with incomes under $14,400 a year would qualify
under a plan being considered in the House. They could enroll at
hospitals or clinics.
A 2007 survey counted 124,000 homeless nationwide, but advocates
say the true number is much larger.
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