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Health is wealth: Improving health outcomes through tax preparation

L. Marcil, M. Hole
America's Essential Hospitals

Each year, eligible families can receive more than $6,000 through the Earned Income Tax Credit. Data show mothers and children who receive this money have better health outcomes, including increased infant birthweights, decreased maternal depression, and increased food security. However, more than 20 percent do not claim their credit, and most who do lose hundreds of dollars to the for-profit tax preparation industry.

Participants learned about StreetCred, a national free tax preparation program that seeks to decrease poverty and increase patient health. Founded in 2016, StreetCred is integrated into hospitals and clinics in six states and has helped 1,700 families claim more than $3.3 million. Participants heard firsthand from program founders about StreetCred’s history, the program model, and how you can launch the program in a hospital or clinic.

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Marcil L, Hole M. Health is wealth: Improving health outcomes through tax preparation. [webinar] May 30, 2019. Available online.

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Social Determinant of Health
Legal Services