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Income receipt, economic activities, and health: Evidence from ambulance transport patterns

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  • Ibuka, Yoko
  • Hamaaki, Junya

Abstract

Studies indicate that mortality increases after income receipt. To explore whether this is due to increased economic activity around the period of receiving income, we examine within-month patterns in ambulance transport incidents, focusing on location and timing. Using Japan’s National Pension payments made every two months, we compare the number of ambulance transport incidents on the day of pension payment and on surrounding days in payment months with those in non-payment months. The results show a 4.5% increase in ambulance transport incidents on the day of pension payment, linked to increased activities such as gambling, shopping, and dining out. We show suggestive evidence that income receipt boosts economic activities by the mechanism of easing liquidity constraints. These findings have implications for healthcare system preparedness and the optimal design of public benefit payment.

Suggested Citation

  • Ibuka, Yoko & Hamaaki, Junya, 2025. "Income receipt, economic activities, and health: Evidence from ambulance transport patterns," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:100:y:2025:i:c:s0167629625000049
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2025.102970
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Emergency medical services; Pension payment; Excess sensitivity; Within-month cycles; Economic activity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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