Research published in BMC Geriatrics and Population Health Management has found that increased access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) is linked to significant savings on health care for low - income , older US citizens . The study found that Maryland - based Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in SNAP were 14 percent less likely to go to the hospital and 23 percent less likely to be sent to a nursing home in the following 12 months . The study analyzed the population of Maryland - dwelling seniors aged 65 and older in Maryland who received both Medicare and Medicaid benefits , cross - referenced with data on state enrollees and Medicaid and Medicare claims data from 2009 to 2012 . At present , only 42 percent of those currently eligible for SNAP are enrolled . The benefits to cover 5.5 million senior citizens who are eligible but are not enrolled in SNAP could tackle the vital determinants of health and move the system to value - based care , while delivering Triple Aim commitments . Working with the Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , Medicaid - managed care organizations and other health care providers to invest upstream , seniors can better age in place and remain in economically stable communities . It would also save significant funds ; for Maryland , dual - eligible seniors who were not enrolled in SNAP would generate nursing home savings of $ 34 million and inpatient hospital savings of $ 19 million annually . The total savings would be up to $ 2,120 for each low - income senior on SNAP in the 12 months after enrollment . These savings can be achieved by utilizing administrative data , working with state policy options , and establishing cross - sector links to expand SNAP participation . Lower income elderly adults suffer greatly from food insecurity , as it affects both their physical and mental health . They are more likely to suffer from heart failure , heart disease , depression and asthma , conditions that are food - sensitive . First, it can support vulnerable individuals who need access to affordable health care. At present , 9.8 m older US citizens live with food insecurity , with the rate predicted to increase to include chronically unwell adults with complex requirements . The increase will likely be a large proponent of higher health care spending . Unmet social needs such as access to nutritious food have been proven to cause poor health outcomes , expensive and frequent hospital visits , and increased nursing home admittance rates . A 2011 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation survey found that 85 percent of doctors felt that unmet social needs were leading to worse health , with the majority of physicians not having the resources to help patients with social needs . A broad benefit intervention would provide vital improvements for seniors ' health and offer health expense cost savings rapidly following enrollment . By streamlining data management , HHS agencies can also expand access and enrolment across benefit programs . Utilizing existing programs such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project ( ESAP ) could reduce barriers for senior access to and retention of SNAP . By working on “ upstream ” social issues such as food insecurity , many problems treated through healthcare can be solved at once .
Research published in BMC Geriatrics and Population Health Management has found that increased access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) is linked to significant savings on health care for low - income , older US citizens . The study found that Maryland - based Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in SNAP were 14 percent less likely to go to the hospital and 23 percent less likely to be sent to a nursing home in the following 12 months . The study analyzed the population of Maryland - dwelling seniors aged 65 and older in Maryland who received both Medicare and Medicaid benefits , cross - referenced with data on state enrollees and Medicaid and Medicare claims data from 2009 to 2012 . At present , only 42 percent of those currently eligible for SNAP are enrolled . The benefits to cover 5.5 million senior citizens who are eligible but are not enrolled in SNAP could tackle the vital determinants of health and move the system to value - based care , while delivering Triple Aim commitments . Working with the Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , Medicaid - managed care organizations and other health care providers to invest upstream , seniors can better age in place and remain in economically stable communities . It would also save significant funds ; for Maryland , dual - eligible seniors who were not enrolled in SNAP would generate nursing home savings of $ 34 million and inpatient hospital savings of $ 19 million annually . The total savings would be up to $ 2,120 for each low - income senior on SNAP in the 12 months after enrollment . These savings can be achieved by utilizing administrative data , working with state policy options , and establishing cross - sector links to expand SNAP participation . Lower income elderly adults suffer greatly from food insecurity , as it affects both their physical and mental health . They are more likely to suffer from heart failure , heart disease , depression and asthma , conditions that are food - sensitive . At present , 9.8 m older US citizens live with food insecurity , with the rate predicted to increase to include chronically unwell adults with complex requirements . The increase will likely be a large proponent of higher health care spending . Unmet social needs such as access to nutritious food have been proven to cause poor health outcomes , expensive and frequent hospital visits , and increased nursing home admittance rates . A 2011 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation survey found that 85 percent of doctors felt that unmet social needs were leading to worse health , with the majority of physicians not having the resources to help patients with social needs . A broad benefit intervention would provide vital improvements for seniors ' health and offer health expense cost savings rapidly following enrollment . By streamlining data management , HHS agencies can also expand access and enrolment across benefit programs . Utilizing existing programs such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project ( ESAP ) could reduce barriers for senior access to and retention of SNAP . By working on “ upstream ” social issues such as food insecurity , many problems treated through healthcare can be solved at once .