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The Cost-Effectiveness of Developmental Screenings: Evidence from a Nationwide Programme

Author

Listed:
  • Halla, Martin

    (Vienna University of Economics and Business)

  • Pruckner, Gerald J.

    (University of Linz)

  • Schober, Thomas

    (Auckland University of Technology)

Abstract

Early intervention is considered the optimal response to developmental disorders in children. We evaluate a nationwide developmental screening programme for preschoolers in Austria and the resulting interventions. Identification of treatment effects is determined by a birthday cutoff-based discontinuity in the eligibility for a financial incentive to participate in the screening. Assigned preschoolers are about 14 percentage points more likely to participate in the programme. For participants with high socio-economic status (SES), we find little evidence for interventions and consistently no effect on healthcare costs in the long run. For participants with low SES preschoolers, we find evidence for substantial interventions, but only weak evidence for cost savings in the long run.

Suggested Citation

  • Halla, Martin & Pruckner, Gerald J. & Schober, Thomas, 2015. "The Cost-Effectiveness of Developmental Screenings: Evidence from a Nationwide Programme," IZA Discussion Papers 9303, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9303
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    1. Pedro Carneiro & Rita Ginja, 2014. "Long-Term Impacts of Compensatory Preschool on Health and Behavior: Evidence from Head Start," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 6(4), pages 135-173, November.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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