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The Effects of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion on Subjective Well-being

Author

Listed:
  • Kim, Seonghoon

    (Singapore Management University)

  • Koh, Kanghyock

    (Korea University)

Abstract

This study analyzes the effects of the 2014 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion on the subjective well-being of individuals in the United States. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we find that the expansion has significantly improved the overall life satisfaction of low-income non-elderly adults. Various sensitivity checks and falsification tests confirm the internal validity. Our findings imply that, without considering psychological benefits, the actual benefits of the ACA Medicaid expansion may be underemphasized.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim, Seonghoon & Koh, Kanghyock, 2019. "The Effects of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion on Subjective Well-being," IZA Discussion Papers 12636, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12636
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    subjective well-being; health insurance; Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion; life satisfaction; happiness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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