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Many of the most severe users of multiple systems are astronomically expensive. Almost $100k/yr per person. It's emergency room visits that aren't paid for, amb

Many of the most severe users of multiple systems are astronomically expensive. Almost $100k/yr per person. It's emergency room visits that aren't paid for, ambulance time, nurses, doctors, surgery, helicopter rides to trauma centers, everything. It's not effective because it doesn't address any of the root problems. It just patches the person up and sends them out again, until they have another heart attack or psychotic break and end up running up another hospital bill. http://www.counties.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/pdf_distribute_hums_overview_2014_rev_110514.pdf http://www.counties.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/pd... Blatant plug: The folks at RideAlong are trying to solve these problems and they're hiring. I had a chance to work with them very briefly and they are really engaged and committed to solving these kinds of problems. YC alums too. https://getridealong.com/about-us/ https://getridealong.com/about-us/

dymk 8y ago
According to your link, the top 1% of relief beneficiaries consume 25% of relief budget. 511 people consumed $50 million (in 2014). That number is absolutely jaw dropping to me. I expected it to be a skewed distribution, but that amount is just truly incredible. It's a testament to how inefficient the current system is at helping those who need serious help, and should be a wake-up call to those who think throwing more money at the problem will actually fix anything.
theptip 8y ago
Is that report actually referring to homeless? Looks like just "high users of multiple systems", which could include someone who has accommodation (e.g. family member's house) but is bankrupted by healthcare costs.
- jaggederest 8y ago
  They're largely homeless, from what I know, and virtually all don't have what I'd consider secure housing, depending on how you define that, but yeah, you're right.

dymk 8y ago

According to your link, the top 1% of relief beneficiaries consume 25% of relief budget. 511 people consumed $50 million (in 2014). That number is absolutely jaw dropping to me. I expected it to be a skewed distribution, but that amount is just truly incredible. It's a testament to how inefficient the current system is at helping those who need serious help, and should be a wake-up call to those who think throwing more money at the problem will actually fix anything.

theptip 8y ago

Is that report actually referring to homeless? Looks like just "high users of multiple systems", which could include someone who has accommodation (e.g. family member's house) but is bankrupted by healthcare costs.

jaggederest 8y ago
They're largely homeless, from what I know, and virtually all don't have what I'd consider secure housing, depending on how you define that, but yeah, you're right.