Universal basic income policies and their potential for addressing health inequities: transformative approaches to a healthy, prosperous life for all

ABSTRACT

Over recent years, universal basic income has become an important reference point when discussing innovative basic income policies as promising alternatives to address shortcomings resulting from the changing nature of traditional employment patterns and work. Related to this is the notion of new insecurities that have arisen, which existing welfare state arrangements are not in a position to adequately tackle. These aspects also resonate with the debate on health and well-being, emphasizing the role of income security – either through employment or social protection measures – in playing a key role in achieving more equitable health. More recently, this debate has gained momentum, as global and domestic factors are forcing a rethink of income security design, to generate conditions in which income support systems effectively counteract insecurity.