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Quality information disclosure and health insurance demand: evidence from VA hospital report cards

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  • Xiaoxue Li

    (University of New Mexico)

Abstract

This study examines the effect of public reporting of quality information on the demand for public insurance. In particular, we examine the effect of the introduction of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital quality report cards in 2008. Using data from the Current Population Survey in 2005–2015, we find that new information about the quality of a VA hospital had a significant effect on VA coverage among veterans living in the same Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Despite the significant effect on VA coverage, the quality report did not have a spillover effect on veterans’ labor supply. Moreover, updated quality information released in later years, which was presented in a less straightforward form, led to no additional changes in VA coverage. These findings suggest that quality reports for public insurance programs can be used as a policy lever to facilitate take up decision among potential beneficiaries.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoxue Li, 2020. "Quality information disclosure and health insurance demand: evidence from VA hospital report cards," International Journal of Health Economics and Management, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 177-199, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ijhcfe:v:20:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10754-019-09276-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10754-019-09276-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. Chris Sampson’s journal round-up for 13th July 2020
      by Chris Sampson in The Academic Health Economists' Blog on 2020-07-13 11:00:06

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Veterans Affairs; Health insurance demand; Quality report;
    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
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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