California explores street medicine to improve health care for homeless populations

California Assembly Bill 543, introduced on February 11, 2025, aims to address the critical health disparities faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in California. The bill seeks to enhance access to primary and specialty healthcare services for this vulnerable population, which is disproportionately affected by health inequities, particularly among people of color.

The bill highlights alarming statistics: 68 percent of homeless deaths involve people of color, and only 8 percent of those experiencing homelessness have a primary care provider, despite 78 percent being insured. This lack of access to primary care exacerbates health issues and leads to higher mortality rates. AB 543 proposes to implement effective healthcare delivery models, such as street medicine and shelter-based care, which have shown success in improving health outcomes and reducing hospital admissions.

Key provisions of the bill include removing barriers to healthcare access, particularly those related to Medi-Cal coverage. It addresses the delays in care caused by lapses in coverage and the challenges faced by street medicine providers in obtaining necessary medical services for their patients. The bill also emphasizes the importance of integrating healthcare and social services to improve housing placements for homeless individuals.

Debate surrounding AB 543 has focused on the potential economic implications of expanding healthcare access to the homeless population. Proponents argue that investing in preventive care through street medicine can significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs by decreasing hospital admissions and improving overall health outcomes. Critics, however, express concerns about the funding and administrative challenges associated with implementing such comprehensive changes.

Experts suggest that if passed, AB 543 could lead to a transformative shift in how healthcare is delivered to homeless individuals, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing the burden on emergency services. The bill's success will depend on overcoming existing policy barriers and ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively serve this population.

As California continues to grapple with a homelessness crisis, AB 543 represents a critical step toward addressing the healthcare needs of one of the state's most marginalized groups. The bill is currently under review, with advocates urging swift action to improve health equity for those living on the streets.