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The socioeconomic distribution of choice quality: evidence from health insurance in the Netherlands

Author

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  • Handel, Benjamin R.
  • Kolstad, Jonathan T.
  • Minten, Thomas
  • Spinnewijn, Johannes

Abstract

We study how choice quality relates to socio-economic factors using population-wide data on health insurance choices and utilization in the Netherlands. We document a striking choice quality gradient with respect to socio-economic status, finding that those with higher income, higher education, and training in quantitative fields make meaningfully better choices. Household income for the top 5% of decision makers, in terms of surplus captured, is almost three times higher than for those in the bottom 5%. When jointly including all factors, education degree and field of study are more important predictors of choice quality than income and other financial variables.

Suggested Citation

  • Handel, Benjamin R. & Kolstad, Jonathan T. & Minten, Thomas & Spinnewijn, Johannes, 2024. "The socioeconomic distribution of choice quality: evidence from health insurance in the Netherlands," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121132, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:121132
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/121132/
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    Cited by:

    1. Yaming Cao & Björn Fischer-Weckemann & Johannes Geyer & Nicolas Ziebarth, 2026. "Fundamentally Reforming the DI System: Evidence from Germany," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 2157, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    2. Ayyagari, Padmaja & Salm, Martin & Sargent, Eric, 2026. "Can a Deductible Kill? The Effect of Patient Cost-Sharing on Health," IZA Discussion Papers 18420, IZA Network @ LISER.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • G00 - Financial Economics - - General - - - General
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality

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