Effect of Cash Benefits on Health Care Utilization

Using data from the Chelsea Eats program, we propose to study a randomized controlled trial in which the City of Chelsea, Massachusetts held a lottery to allocate cash benefits to its residents for ten months during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will analyze the impact of the cash benefit on health care utilization and health.

Inclusion Criteria:Resident of Chelsea, MassachusettsHousehold income at or below 30% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Area Median IncomeExclusion Criteria:See inclusion criteria