Direct cash transfers for patients with Covid-19 served by New York City’s safety-net health system

A partnership among NYC Health + Hospitals, philanthropic funders, and a nonprofit organization facilitated the rapid implementation of the Covid-19 Emergency Financial Hardship Grant Program. This program provided one-time, unconditional transfers of $1,000 to low-income New Yorkers diagnosed with Covid-19 and experiencing financial hardship. An analysis of the spending patterns is in line with research that suggests that individuals who receive cash grants make rational decisions to support their health and well-being.