Dr. William Rogers Discusses Providing Healthcare for the Homeless (June 12, 2013)

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The homeless of course suffer substantial health problems.  The CDC estimates nearly half have one or more chronic health condition (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer), two in five have a mental health diagnosis/es, one-fourth suffer substance abuse, one-third are alcohol addicted.  One 2005 study showed shocking mortality rates, the median age of death was 45.  Over half do not have health insurance - though homeless adults will become eligible in 2014 for Medicaid coverage in states that agree to expand their Medicaid program under the ACA (about half the states) to 133 percent of the federal poverty level ($15,200). 

During this 24-minute podcast, Dr. Rogers explains how/why he became involved in caring for the homeless.  He discusses the magnitude of the problem, explains the purpose and evolution of the Carpenter's Shelter, the services he provides its patients (as well as care he provides for other homeless Alexandria residents), his frustrations when attempting to find provider for patients needing more intensive care, e.g., surgeries, expectations for Virginia in expanding Medicaid coverage under the ACA in January 2014 and what that would mean for Carpenter's.    Dr. Rogers operates a free medical clinic at the Carpenter's Shelter for the homeless in Alexandria, Virginia.  Dr. Rogers is also the Director of the Physicians Regulatory Issues Team at the Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is also a member of Georgetown University ospital medical staff working in the Emergency Department and teaching residents and medical students.  He too holds the rank of Colonel in the US Air Force and is the Operational Medical Director for the National Park Service, National Capital Area.  Before joining CMS, Dr. Rogers served as the Regional Director for an ED staffing company responsible for four EDs in Virginia employing 50 physicians.  Dr. Rogers is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians (Fellow) and the federal Emergency Care Coordinating Committee.   Dr. Rogers received his medical degree from the University of Virginia. 

Listeners with an interest in Carpenter's Shelter see: http://www.carpentersshelter.org/.

For more general information see, for example, the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council's website at: http://www.nhchc.org/. 

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