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Welfare Reform and Health

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  • Marianne P. Bitler
  • Jonah B. Gelbach
  • Hilary W. Hoynes

Abstract

We investigate the impact of welfare reform on health insurance coverage and healthcare utilization of single women aged 20–45, using nationally representative data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We present estimates from both difference-in-difference models and difference-in-difference-in-difference models (using married women as a comparison group). We find that welfare reform is associated with reductions in health insurance coverage and specific measures of healthcare utilization, as well as an increase in the likelihood of needing care but finding it unaffordable. Overall, effects are somewhat larger for Hispanics compared with blacks and low-educated women.

Suggested Citation

  • Marianne P. Bitler & Jonah B. Gelbach & Hilary W. Hoynes, 2005. "Welfare Reform and Health," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 40(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:40:y:2005:i:2:p309-334
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    1. Marianne P. Bitler & Jonah B. Gelbach & Hilary W. Hoynes, 2006. "What Mean Impacts Miss: Distributional Effects of Welfare Reform Experiments," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 96(4), pages 988-1012, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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