Health Reform, Health Insurance, and Selection: Estimating Selection into Health Insurance Using the Massachusetts Health Reform

Authors

Martin B. Hackmann
Jonathan T. Kolstad
Amanda E. Kowalski

Document Type

Discussion Paper

Publication Date

1-1-2012

CFDP Number

1841

CFDP Pages

6

Abstract

We implement an empirical test for selection into health insurance using changes in coverage induced by the introduction of mandated health insurance in Massachusetts. Our test examines changes in the cost of the newly insured relative to those who were insured prior to the reform. We find that counties with larger increases in insurance coverage over the reform period face the smallest increase in average hospital costs for the insured population, consistent with adverse selection into insurance before the reform. Additional results, incorporating cross-state variation and data on health measures, provide further evidence for adverse selection.

Recommended Citation

Hackmann, Martin B.; Kolstad, Jonathan T.; and Kowalski, Amanda E., "Health Reform, Health Insurance, and Selection: Estimating Selection into Health Insurance Using the Massachusetts Health Reform" (2012). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 2200.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/2200