Work

Money as Medicine: Beyond the Monetary Value of Cash Assistance Programs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Social determinants of health (SDOH)—the root causes of health disparities—often fall outside the scope of traditional clinical care. In this discussion, we argue that financial interventions, particularly cash assistance programs, play a transformative role in improving health outcomes by addressing SDOH. Drawing on lessons from established public health approaches, we explore the concept of "Money as Medicine," which reframes cash assistance not just as economic relief but as a vital component of healthcare, directly impacting physical and mental well-being.1 To build healthier communities, we recommend integrating cash assistance programs into the healthcare system to reduce emergency department (ED) utilization, enhance mental health, and promote overall health stability. We explore key evidence, highlight successful models, such as the nonprofit Link Health, and propose pathways for integration.

Source: ConductScience Journal

DOI: 10.55157/csj.v3i1.1

Authors: Julissa Barrios, Timothy Scheinert, Jessica Johnson, Austin Tsai, Steven Lauterwasser, Alister Martin

Institutions: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Northeastern University, Massachusetts General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4413824358