UCLA Researchers Release Study of Health Homes Program

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) recently released findings from the second Health Homes Program (HHP) Interim Evaluation report. The latest report provides updates on program participants’ enrollment patterns, demographics, and services received that were reported in the first interim evaluation report. The latest report additionally includes analyses of changes in HHP core metrics, health care utilization, and estimated Medi-Cal payment measures.

HHP was implemented by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) with an overarching goal to attain the “Triple Aim” quality improvement initiative of achieving better health outcomes and lowering health care costs. As of September 30, 2020, the program served nearly 50,000 Medi-Cal managed care plan (MCP) beneficiaries with complex needs, including individuals with chronic health and/or mental health conditions and individuals experiencing homelessness. Extra services were provided at no cost to Medi-Cal members and through care coordination, which may be key to reducing avoidable health care costs.

The report assesses utilization of emergency departments and hospitals, outpatient services, and health screening and follow-up, among other areas. Findings from the report indicate some improvements in service utilization but other measures that reflect care processes and health outcomes showed no significant change after the first year of enrollment.

The full report is available here.