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Guaranteed Income as Treatment: Addressing Poverty as a Social Determinant of Health

Poverty has long been a major risk factor for poor health, but unconditional cash transfer interventions, commonly known as Guaranteed Income programs, are emerging as an innovative solution. Momentum and interest in Guaranteed Income programs has accelerated around the world in recent years as they have been increasingly implemented to improve health outcomes, economic mobility, safety, and community well-being. As calls for Guaranteed Income grow stronger, so too does the evidence base supporting the connection between resource access and health outcomes.

Given the promise that Guaranteed Income holds to tackle persistent health disparities, health care stakeholders have shown interest in exploring their role in Guaranteed Income projects. However, the health care and social services policy landscapes present significant barriers to implementing these programs for those who need it most. Specifically, without careful policy navigation, these interventions risk excluding or harming households that may lose eligibility for public benefits as a result of receiving Guaranteed Income.

Our Approach

The Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation (CHLPI) provides support to health care entities committed to designing Guaranteed Income pilot programs with patients’ public benefits in mind. By identifying policy barriers and advocating for creative solutions, CHLPI seeks to maximize the health benefits of Guaranteed Income interventions.

Forthcoming Publications

  • Responding to Systemic Racism: the Role of Health Care Entities in Addressing Disparities through Guaranteed Income Initiatives
  • Responding to Systemic Racism: the Role of Health Care Entities in Reimagining Public Safety and Efforts to Defund the Police

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