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Co-payment exemption and healthcare consumption: quasi-experimental evidence from Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Vanessa Cirulli

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Giuliano Resce

    (University of Molise)

  • Marco Ventura

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

Abstract

This paper investigates the causal effect of co-payment exemption on the number of specialist visits in the Italian National Health System. Exploiting a discontinuity in the multiple eligibility criteria, we apply multiple regression discontinuity in a quasi-experimental setting, considering both age and income requirements. Differently from the standard regression discontinuity, this twofold discontinuity allows to identify the effect of co-payment on a particularly needy sub-population of less wealthy people and how it changes according to the eligibility criteria. We find positive effects of co-payment exemption and the effects are stronger for less wealthy and older individuals. The result may be useful to the policy maker to tailor ad-hoc policies aimed at disadvantaged sub-populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanessa Cirulli & Giuliano Resce & Marco Ventura, 2024. "Co-payment exemption and healthcare consumption: quasi-experimental evidence from Italy," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 67(1), pages 355-380, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:67:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s00181-023-02552-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-023-02552-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multiple regression discontinuity (MRD); Healthcare; Co-payment; Demand effects; National Health System;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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