SNAP work requirements increase mental health care use.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We measured the impact of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements on mental health care use.

Data sources and study setting

We used 2015-2018 West Virginia Medicaid and SNAP data.

Study design

Nine counties were exposed to SNAP work requirements. Using an event study framework, we assessed how this changed the probability and number of visits for depression and anxiety in the treatment versus the control group.

Data collection/extraction methods

The sample included individuals aged 18-49, enrolled in both SNAP and Medicaid at the start of the study. Dually eligible individuals were excluded.

Principal findings

At baseline, the probability of having a mood disorder visit was 6.1% among women and 5.3% among men, rising

SUBMITTER: Allen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9836954 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature