Health

insights

In the USA, the 1970's reforms to the welfare system that introduced targeted cash transfer programs conditional on work were associated with higher infant mortality rates. A review of cash transfer studies from 2000 - 2015 in low- and middle-income countries, spanning 165 studies, found positive effects on poverty, education, health and nutrition, savings, investment and production, work, and empowerment. Findings are generally positive that UBI-type programs alleviate poverty and improve health and education outcomes and that the effects on labor market participation are minimal. One-time unconditional cash transfers given to US citizens in poverty during the Covid-19 pandemic had no positive effects on financial or economic well-being, physical health, or cognitive capacity. During a Canadian guaranteed income experiment (1974 - 1979), participant contacts with physicians declined, especially for mental health. Canadian NIT led to 8.5% decrease in hospitalizations.

sources

The Economic Costs of Childhood Poverty in the US Do cash transfer programmes yield better health in the first year of life? A systematic review linking low-income/middle-income and high-income contexts Universal Cash Transfers Reduce Childhood Obesity Rates Cash Transfers and Temptation Goods No Strings Attached: The Behavioral Effects of U.S. Unconditional Cash Transfer Programs A Child Allowance Could be Worth Eight Times the Cost

authors

Jens Ludwig Greg J. Duncan Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach Harry J. Holzer Steven P. Miller Akshay Rajaram Arjumand Siddiqi Matthew Reimer

reports