Childhood Medicaid Coverage and Later-Life Health Care Utilization

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Wherry, Laura R.; Miller, Sarah; Kaestner, Robert; Meyer, Bruce D.
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California Los Angeles; University of California Los Angeles Medical Center; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; University of Michigan System; University of Michigan; National Bureau of Economic Research; University of Illinois System; University of Illinois Chicago; University of Illinois Chicago Hospital; University of Chicago
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/REST_a_00677
• 发表日期: 2018-05
• 页码: 287-302
• 关键词: regression-discontinuity designs; public insurance; eligibility; expansions; access; disparities; mortality; outcomes; CHILDREN

摘要

Exploiting a discontinuity in childhood Medicaid eligibility based on date of birth, we find that more years of childhood eligibility are associated with fewer hospitalizations in adulthood. For blacks, we find a 7% to 15% decrease in hospitalizations and a suggestive 2% to 5% decrease in emergency department visits, but no similar effect for nonblacks. The effects are pronounced for utilization related to chronic illnesses and for patients living in low-income postal codes. Calculations suggest that lower rates of hospitalizations during one year in adulthood for blacks offset between 2% and 4% of the initial costs of expanding Medicaid for all children.