The Effect of Cash Transfer Programs on Older People’s Health Seeking Behavior: a Case Study of Korogocho, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Cash transfers are designed to help participants improve their living conditions and access to economic and social services. CTs help recipients maintain their living standards by providing an economic cushion to those who are impoverished or vulnerable, which includes many elderly people. Cash transfer (CT) programs are now a top priority for many governments. The study had three objectives: to look into the impact of cash transfers on patterns of sick visits to hospitals, to establish how cash transfer program has influenced access to better health, and establish the challenges that older people face in seeking better health care. The research was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The research participants were chosen using a combination of purposeful sampling and a basic random sampling technique. The data was evaluated and displayed in tables and charts using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that most respondents rarely seek healthcare services after receiving their cash transfer benefit because of the amounts given. However, it is essential to note that the proportion of funds used for healthcare was so little as compared to other needs such as food and shelter. The funds used for healthcare were also spent on buying medication that was affordable with expensive medication being out of reach for these the respondents. The study concluded that due to the small amount of money given in the cash transfer program it was not possible to seek medication in well-equipped hospital and get adequate treatment. The study recommended that the Government should directly deduct and remit to the NHIF monthly remittances for beneficiaries of the OPTC programs so that they are able to automatically get medical insurance cover when need arises.