Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/282792 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 16665
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
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 re-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 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.
Subjects: 
Medicaid
health care utilization
recidivism
JEL: 
I38
I18
K42
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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