Accessing SNAP Is Associated with Better Health Outcomes and Lower Healthcare Costs

Food insecurity among older adults is linked to worse nutrition, increased reliance on medications, missed meals, and a higher risk of chronic illness.

By contrast, research shows that older adults who participate in SNAP are less likely to be hospitalized or enter a nursing home in the following year compared to similar non-participants.

For example, one Maryland study of about 60,000 low-income seniors found SNAP participants were 23% less likely to be admitted to a nursing home and 4% less likely to be hospitalized.

The program thus contributes not only to immediate food access but also to better long-term health and reduced Medicare/Medicaid expenditures.