Examining Health Care Access And Health Of Children Living In Homes Subsidized By The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit

Health Aff (Millwood). 2022 Jun;41(6):883-892. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01806.

Abstract

Although stable, high-quality housing improves children's physical and social-emotional health, little is known about the health of children living in buildings financed by the federal government's primary tool for constructing and renovating affordable rental housing: the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (2004-16) linked to data on LIHTC properties (1987-2016), this study provides national estimates for health care access and health status among low-income children living in LIHTC properties compared with low-income children not living in LIHTC properties. Children living in LIHTC properties were more likely to have had a well-child visit in the past twelve months and a dental visit in the past six months. These children also had a higher likelihood of chronic school absenteeism and current asthma. These exploratory findings suggest that policy makers should consider features of LIHTC policy as possible mechanisms to improve low-income children's health care access and health status while addressing the shortage of affordable housing in the US.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Status
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Poverty*
  • Taxes