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