The Health of Adults and Children Living In LIHTC

Investigates the association between living in a property funded by the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and child health.

Background: The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)—the federal government’s largest program to increase the supply of new affordable housing—has supported the creation of over 3 million rental units since its inception in 1986. Little is known, however, about the health of low-income adults and children living in LIHTC-financed housing.  

Approach: Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (2004-2016) linked to data on LIHTC properties, this study provided the first national estimates for health status and healthcare access among low-income children and adults living in LIHTC housing. Qualitative interviews explored how developers, government officials, and others involved in the LIHTC process considered the intersection of health with LIHTC developments and the allocation of tax credits. 

Findings: The findings published in Health Affairs show a mixed picture of health and healthcare access for children living in LIHTC properties: they were more likely to have had a well-child visit in the past twelve months and a dental visit in the past six months compared to similar children not living in LIHTC housing but they also had a higher likelihood of chronic school absenteeism and current asthma.  A report on the qualitative interviews also published in Health Affairs revealed a growing desire within the housing sector to address health needs but challenges regarding developing partnerships and payment models.

Team: The study team includes Craig Pollack (PI), Sarah Gensheimer, Marc Shi, Matthew Eisenberg, Albert Wu, Daniel Hindman, and Abigail Baum.

Funding: The study is funded by a grant from Eunice Shrive National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R03HD098411) and the Johns Hopkins Population Center.