Chicago hospital tests free housing for frequent ER visitors
The University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago is trying a new approach to cut down on the cost of care for Medicaid “superutilizers” who are frequently admitted to emergency rooms: Give them an apartment instead.
Miles Bryan of WBEZ Chicago reports the idea appears to be working, as the hospital is spending $1,000 per month each on 25 patients, rather than $3,000 daily cost for inpatient care.
To read more about how program works and how it’s helped one frequent visitor who used to spend up to 20 days a month in the hospital’s ER, click on the link below:
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.