Paper short abstract:

In this study, we argue for a greater focus on children in social protection research and offer a more nuanced understanding of the effects (or lack thereof) of cash transfers on children’s access to healthcare.

Paper long abstract:

Through an investigation of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty cash transfers and the National Health Insurance Scheme, this study traces the impact of social protection and complementary services on children’s healthcare access in Ghana. We focus on four implementation districts with differing poverty levels and state infrastructural power. Data is based on qualitative-dominant mixed methods involving a survey of programme beneficiaries and qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with household members, community elites, service providers and government officials. We complement this with an econometric analysis of the determinants of children's healthcare access before and after the implementation of social protection programmes, using Multiple Indicators Cluster and Ghana Living Standards Surveys. We triangulate the results with extensive reviews of programme documents, NGO and media reports. We find that linking cash transfers to health insurance may enhance healthcare access for children, although other factors, including the generosity of benefits, quality of service and state capacity, may moderate uneven outcomes.