The Potential for Conditional Cash Transfers to Influence Health Outcomes

We face a quandary in the health of our citizens. This thesis tests the theory that conditional cash transfers (CCT) can work as a political and economic policy to impact choice and behavioral equilibriums relevant to health inequities. CCT offers monetary incentives to a targeted population to achieve a desired behavior or health outcome. Giving CCT to patients is different from typical welfare policies which are directed "at" a person with limited or passive participation by the recipient. CCT is unique in that it creates incentives for patients to engage in healthy behaviors without infringing on the freedom of others, a frequent criticism of other policy proposals. CCT can act as a form of social investment because it creates a positive sum gain for the patient and encourages forward-looking behavior with respect to health outcomes. This policy pulls the public toward the public good of positive choices that result in community well-being and contribution. This may create a belief cascade of value change.