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Accessing the Safety Net: How Medicaid Affects Health and Recidivism

Author

Listed:
  • Analisa Packham
  • David Slusky

Abstract

We estimate the causal impact of access to means-tested public health insurance coverage (Medicaid) on health outcomes and recidivism for those recently released from incarceration. To do so, we leverage a policy change in South Carolina that allowed simplified Medicaid enrollment for previously incarcerated eligible individuals. Using linked administrative data on criminal convictions and health insurance claims, we find that reducing barriers in access to Medicaid for vulnerable populations increases enrollment and utilization of some health care services. However, we do not find that this improved health care insurance access reduces 1-year or 3-year recidivism, suggesting that effectiveness of such policies is context dependent.

Suggested Citation

  • Analisa Packham & David Slusky, 2023. "Accessing the Safety Net: How Medicaid Affects Health and Recidivism," NBER Working Papers 31971, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31971
    Note: EH LE
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    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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