By Jessica Johnson
In the United States, a nation built on the principles of equality and opportunity, a deep-seated stigma surrounds the receipt of federal benefits. This stigma, deeply entrenched in societal attitudes, perpetuates a narrative of shame and contempt, affecting millions of Americans who rely on these programs for survival and basic well-being. It is time to confront and dismantle this stigma and ultimately recognize that this is a healthcare issue.
Federal benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Lifeline program, and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), are designed to provide a safety net for those in need. These programs ultimately link individuals and families to better health outcomes. However, despite their critical role, recipients often face judgment and discrimination, labeled as lazy or dependent on government handouts. This stigmatization not only affects the dignity and self-esteem of individuals but also discourages those in need from seeking assistance. This, in turn, negatively impacts the physical and mental health of low-income families and individuals.
Further, the stigma surrounding federal benefits disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities. This is deeply rooted in historical biases and systemic racism, which paint minority groups as undeserving of aid. One example of such stigma is the “welfare queen” stereotype that was born as a result of attacks on government subsidy programs in the 1980s. This pathologized women of color in order to call for cuts to such programs. These prejudices ignore the structural inequalities that necessitate the need for federal benefits in the first place, including historical discriminatory policies and practices in employment, education, and housing. This stigmatization can deter individuals from applying for the federal programs for which they rightfully qualify, thereby perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and poor health. Addressing these biases ultimately requires a concerted effort to shed light on the reality of these programs: they are life-saving tools that improve the health of millions of Americans.
Link Health, a unique organization embedded in healthcare settings, is working to combat this stigma. Recognizing that issues like food security and financial stability are social determinants of health, Link Health actively enrolls patients in federal benefit programs and raises the visibility of such important benefits. By integrating their services into community health centers, Link Health is able to highlight the clear connection between these programs and better health outcomes. Through their efforts, Link Health ultimately helps facilitate smoother enrollment processes, provide immediate support, and help distribute thousands of dollars back to low-income families.
Since its inception, Link Health has screened over 17,000 patients for federal benefit eligibility and help distribute over $1.28 million back to families. This work involves unlocking the $80 billion in federal aid that goes unused every year, thereby empowering patients, linking them to better health, and leveraging their trust relationships with community health centers to eliminate the stigma surrounding these programs.
Link Health’s work ultimately underscores the importance and necessity of these programs for working families, pregnant women, children, and more. The pressing issues targeted by such programs have far-reaching health impacts and affect a large percentage of Americans. For example, food insecurity remains a significant concern, affecting 1 in 8 households in the country, and it can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. SNAP, which is one federal benefit program in which Link Health enrolls patients, specifically addresses this issue. Moreover, nearly 1 in 4 rural Americans still lacks broadband internet access, which is often essential for things like telehealth appointments and staying connected with loved ones. Link Health recognizes that lack of access to the internet can severely impact physical and mental health and therefore helps enrolls patients in Lifeline, a critical federal benefit program. Furthermore, the U.S. continues to have the highest infant and maternal mortality rates, with the rate for Black women being the highest of any group. WIC, another essential program in which Link Health enrolls patients, helps address this issue, as it has been shown to improve maternal and infant health.
It is clear: when people do not have access to these important benefits, there are long-lasting negative impacts on their health and overall well-being. Perpetuation of the stigma surrounding federal benefits deters individuals and families from accessing these programs, even when they are eligible and in dire need. Particularly, the American ethos of self-reliance and the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality contribute significantly to the negative perception of federal benefit programs. This ideology suggests that success is solely the result of individual effort and therefore ignores the systemic racial and economic inequalities that create barriers to success for many Americans. This ultimately prevents those most in need from achieving better health outcomes, thereby creating a cycle of poor health that is difficult to break. This stigma is harmful to health–full stop.
Tackling the stigma surrounding federal benefit programs ultimately requires a new approach: leveraging trusted institutions and messengers, like physicians, nurses, and other providers, to talk about the importance of and clearly draw the connection between these programs and better health outcomes. Link Health is leading this fight, utilizing their relationships with community health centers to raise the visibility of this as a healthcare issue. Future initiatives should follow Link Health’s lead and unique positioning in the healthcare system to combat this harmful stigma. Together, we can reframe the narrative to show that federal benefit programs link Americans to improved health.
In conclusion, the stigma surrounding federal benefits in America is a significant barrier to the health and well-being of millions of individuals. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes, discourages those in need from seeking assistance, and undermines the effectiveness of essential programs. By supporting initiatives like those of Link Health, we can begin to dismantle this stigma. Federal benefits are not a sign of failure but a necessary support system to improve the health of children, working families, pregnant women, and more. It is time to end this stigma and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.
Author: Jessica Johnson
