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The Role Of Retiree Health Insurance In The Employment Behavior Of Older Men

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  • David M. Blau
  • Donna B. Gilleskie

Abstract

Using data from the Health and Retirement Survey, we estimate preference and expectations parameters of a structural model of the employment and medical care decisions of older men in order to evaluate the role of health insurance. The budget constraint incorporates detailed cost-sharing characteristics of private health insurance and Medicare as well as rules and requirements associated with Social Security and private pensions. Simulations imply that changes in health insurance, including access and restrictions to retiree health insurance and Medicare, have a modest impact on employment behavior among older males, with the greatest effect on men in bad health. Copyright ©2008 by the Economics Department Of The University Of Pennsylvania And Osaka University Institute Of Social And Economic Research Association.

Suggested Citation

  • David M. Blau & Donna B. Gilleskie, 2008. "The Role Of Retiree Health Insurance In The Employment Behavior Of Older Men," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 49(2), pages 475-514, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:ier:iecrev:v:49:y:2008:i:2:p:475-514
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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