'Medical respite' a growing option for NYC's homeless hospital patients in recovery
Medical respite care has so far been limited in New York, but it’s on the verge of expanding.
The programs provide temporary housing and services like wound care, physical therapy and social services to homeless hospital patients, while freeing up beds for others. Respite providers also aim to connect patients with stable, long-term housing as they leave the programs.
In January, the Biden administration gave New York permission to bill Medicaid for the service, opening up a new funding stream. There are currently two respites in Harlem that have about 100 beds between them, and at least another two upstate. The state health department is offering nonprofits $50,000 grants to open another eight.
Health officials say the goal is to improve patient outcomes while reducing overall health care costs. And New federal support for medical respite past 2027 will depend on whether New York can show that’s happening.
