Calif. hopes $3B trial improves health of neediest
By Anna Gorman, KQED-TV
Riverside County plans to connect former inmates with health clinics and social services. Orange County hopes to get homeless residents into housing — and help them stay there. Placer County is opening a respite center where homeless patients can go after they leave the hospital.
Those are just some of the pilot projects in a $3 billion experimental effort officials hope will improve the health of California’s most vulnerable populations. The effort is a recognition that improving people’s health will take more than just getting them insured.
The state has approved plans in 18 counties intended to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital stays among these groups.