New survey results highlight impact of Rx Kids on families across Michigan
A newly released participant survey from Rx Kids highlights the transformative impact of the groundbreaking cash prescription program on families across Michigan. Administered by GiveDirectly in May 2025, the survey marks the first comprehensive evaluation including data from all Rx Kids program sites, offering a statewide snapshot of the program’s reach and effectiveness. This includes Flint as well as newly launched communities in Pontiac, Kalamazoo, and five counties in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Since its inception, Rx Kids has delivered over $13 million in direct cash support to more than 3,000 families. With a remarkable 98% enrollment rate across all participating communities, Rx Kids has demonstrated exceptional accessibility and engagement among eligible families.
Conducted every six months, the May 2025 voluntary participant survey, which had a 45% response rate with 718 responding, provides real-time insights into how families are using the cash prescriptions to improve their health, financial stability, and overall well-being.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 87% of moms say that Rx Kids helps them make ends meet
- Rx Kids moms were most likely to spend their cash prescriptions on baby supplies, followed by food, rent, and utilities.
- 48% of Rx Kids moms experienced a financial shock since the program began. Of those who experienced a shock, 84% used the Rx Kids payments to mitigate that shock. Most commonly reported types of shocks included auto (32%), rent/utilities (17.8%), job loss (14.9%), basic expenses (10.7%), and moving (6.2%)
- Over 60% of moms said that Rx Kids made it easier to get the healthcare that their household needs
- Nearly 40% of moms said that Rx Kids incentivized them to get healthcare they wouldn’t normally get
- 96% of Rx Kids infants had attended at least one appointment
- 86% of surveyed moms had attended at least 1 prenatal care appointment
- 72% of moms said that the money they received from Rx Kids helped them take time off from work to care for themselves, their family, or their baby
- 81% of moms agree with the statement “Rx Kids helped me feel more confidence in caring for my child”
”It has given me peace of mind knowing that I will have help affording basic baby essentials like diapers, as well as unforeseen expenses such as medical bills.
Rx Kids Mom
More Stats:
- 48% of families reported annual household incomes under $10,000.
- Flint families reported the lowest incomes, with 89% earning under $30,000 annually, followed by Pontiac (74%), Kalamazoo (60%), and the Eastern U.P. (37%).
- 53% renters, 20% owned their property, 14% lived with others, 7% endorsed “other” and 3% were homeless.
What Moms are Saying about Rx Kids
Moms were asked open-ended questions about various aspects of the program and the impacts Rx Kids has on their wellbeing, confidence, and health, as well as their overall thoughts on the program. Below are some of their responses:
- “I want to let you know that your program is the best program I have ever seen. More than EBT that supply only food, however kids need clothes too…Rx [Kids] gives the parents opportunities to overcome any kind of setback that could bring worries to the family. Rx [Kids] trusts parents. Believing that no parent could be irresponsible to his kids but will always look for his kids happiness first. Rx Kids is better than WIC who chooses what people have to take, however needs are different from a family to another. Rx [Kids] is the answer to any kind of setback except nothing. Be blessed!”
- “Thank you for allowing me to feel confident and bringing this little girl into the world.”
- “This program is awesome thank you so much to all the partners who made this possible for all families around Michigan who may be in desperately or just extra help with this program. It allows a lot of parents to be stress-free especially when having a baby.”
- “Just very grateful for this program and that it has given me more time with my third child that I thought I may not have.”
- “I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity and that it’s for anyone who is pregnant. Pregnancy is scary especially being my first time and to have this help is huge and beyond words of appreciation.”
- “This program is great for working families and single parents trying to provide the absolute best for their child.”
- “It has allowed me not to stress too much about how we are going to make it now that I’m not working.”
- “I have more freedom of worrying about getting basic needs for my kids.”
- “I am not concerned with takin myself or kids to the doctor as needed because I know I can use this money if needed.”
A Growing Movement
The May 2025 survey builds on previous research and participant feedback, reinforcing Rx Kids’ success in improving financial security, healthcare access, and parental confidence. As the program continues to expand, these surveys will continue to help us understand the impact of cash prescriptions on Michigan families.
