Marcel Slockers

124 Chapter 8 after reporting to the Contact Point. Research into the effectiveness and the throughput to municipal and social shelter addresses is essential to determine further policy for the problem of the uninsured. Conclusion In this study on mortality, health problems, and care accessibility, we have again shown that homeless people belong to a highly vulnerable group. Our evaluation of the large-scale Action Plan for Social Support shows that this plan has not yet sufficiently improved the health situation of homeless people. We found a decrease in the number of suicides and murders among homeless people, however, we found no change in the total number of deaths or a decrease in the large numbers of homeless people with psychiatric diseases. With regard to care accessibility, there was a constant struggle against deterioration. New regulations in 2015, whereby people lost their health insurance if they no longer have an address, reduced care accessibility. A scheme for the uninsured introduced in 2017 may contribute to solving problems around this group, although better implementation in practice is required. Intensifying policies to prevent homelessness remains crucial. This study describes the value of a national action plan to combat homelessness. Social medical care for homeless people should also be intensified in all Dutch municipalities. Taking good care of homeless people can be beneficial for homeless people themselves as well as for the general population. The results of this dissertation will hopefully contribute to better inclusion of homeless people in our society.