Utilization and Costs of Mobile Medical Units for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

How is implementation of mobile medical units (MMUs) associated with health care utilization and costs for veterans experiencing homelessness?In this cohort study of 2700 participants, compared with usual care, implementation of MMUs was associated with increased utilization of primary care and mental health intensive case management and decreased use of inpatient substance use disorder and domiciliary care. MMUs were also associated with more utilization of homeless programs and emergency department care, and higher total health care costs increased.These findings suggest that MMUs reach patients with greater needs and increase access to primary care and mental health services at higher costs.

Corresponding Author: Jean Yoon, PhD, MHS, Health Economics Resource Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (jean.yoon@va.gov).

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