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Credit, Default, And Optimal Health Insurance

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  • Youngsoo Jang

Abstract

I study how credit and default affect optimal health insurance, constructing a life‐cycle model of health investment with a strategic default option on emergency room bills and financial debts. The model is calibrated to the U.S. economy and used to compare the optimal policy for Medicaid by the availability of the default option and credit. I find that strategic default induces the optimal policy to be more redistributive. With (Without) the option, the optimal income threshold for Medicaid eligibility is 44% (25%) of the average income. In these findings, the interaction between strategic default and preventative medical spending is important.

Suggested Citation

  • Youngsoo Jang, 2023. "Credit, Default, And Optimal Health Insurance," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 64(3), pages 943-977, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:iecrev:v:64:y:2023:i:3:p:943-977
    DOI: 10.1111/iere.12617
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