Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Participation and Health Care Expenditures Among Low-Income Adults
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s largest anti–food insecurity program, serving approximately 1 in 7 Americans. SNAP provides a monthly near-cash benefit to participants that supplements household budgets by allowing food purchases, with some restrictions. In other studies SNAP has been shown to reduce the severity and the duration of food-insecurity episodes for individuals enrolled. This study assessed whether there is an association between participation in the SNAP program and reduced health care expenditures over a 2-year period using data from the 2011 NHIS linked to 2012–2013 MEPS data. Researchers compare outcomes for those who self-identified as participating in SNAP to those who did not. Meals were not delivered.
Goal / Mission
To determine whether the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which addresses food insecurity, can reduce health care expenditures.
Results / Accomplishments
The study was a retrospective analysis of SNAP participants (n=1889 intervention group) with a matched comparison group (n=2,558). In fully adjusted models, SNAP was associated with lower estimated annual health care expenditures (−$1409; 95% CI, −$2694 to −$125). Sensitivity analyses were consistent with these results, also indicating that SNAP participation was associated with significantly lower estimated expenditures.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Harvard Medical School
Primary Contact
Seth A. Berkowitz
5034 Old Clinic Building
CB 7110
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-445-6794
5034 Old Clinic Building
CB 7110
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-445-6794
Topics
Health / Older Adults
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Organization(s)
Harvard Medical School
Source
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2653910?amp;utm_source=JAMA%20Intern%20MedPublishAheadofPrint&utm_campaign=25-09-2017
Date of implementation
Oct 2017
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