A new study finds that senior citizens who receive SNAP are healthier.

This new research from Benefits Data Trust (BDT) found that access to SNAP reduces healthcare spending, improves health and allows low-income seniors to age in place with dignity. The lesson is clear. Investing in health upstream by helping vulnerable older individuals meet their basic needs and addressing key determinants of health directly results in lower healthcare utilization and better health.

Benefits Data Trust set out with a team of highly skilled researchers to determine what impact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) had on healthcare utilization and costs. The results of this compelling research are available in BDT’s policy brief: Access to Public Benefits among Dual Eligible Seniors Reduces Risk of Nursing Home and Hospital Admission and Cuts Costs.