Are older adults who participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program healthier than eligible nonparticipants? Evidence from the Health and Retirement study

TitleAre older adults who participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program healthier than eligible nonparticipants? Evidence from the Health and Retirement study
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsKim, JH
JournalJournal of Sociology and Social Welfare
Volume44
Issue3
Pagination95-117
Date Published09/2017
ISSN Number01915096
KeywordsFood insecurity, Self-reported health, SNAP
Abstract

This research examined the impact of participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the health of older adults. The study used panel data from the 2004-2012 Waves of the Rand version of the Health and Retirement Study to estimate regression models of self-reported health and the number of doctor-diagnosed conditions, controlling for individual characteristics and time fixed effects. The findings revealed that program participants did not maintain or improve their health status relative to non-participants during the study period. Thus, the study confirms that program participation confers negligible benefits in maintaining and improving the health status of older adults.

Citation Key9394