Just Don't Get Sick: Access to Health Care in the Aftermath of Welfare Reform

The ability to obtain health care is fundamental to the security, stability, and well—being of poor families. Government—sponsored programs provide temporary support, but as families leave welfare for work, they find themselves without access to coverage or care. The low—wage jobs that individuals in transition are typically able to secure provide few benefits yet often disqualify employees from receiving federal aid.

Drawing upon statistical data and in—depth interviews with over five hundr...