UM11-04: Health Insurance, Health Care and Labor Supply by Older Adults
Researchers
Abstract
Early exits from the labor force can adversely affect economic well-being in retirement. Health status and disability are important determinants of retirement age. However, it is unknown whether more intensive health care utilization can effectively delay or reverse the onset of work-limiting disability. This study considers the effect of health care utilization and health insurance status following onset of a new chronic condition on the probability of application for SSDI and the age at which OASI benefits are claimed. Data from the Health and Retirement Study are used in conjunction with administrative Social Security Administration and Medicare data. Regional variation in practice patterns will identify the effects of health care utilization, focusing on the effects of elective surgical intervention. Findings will help to inform policymakers about potential program interactions between Medicare benefits (or potential Medicare expansion) and OASDI outlays.
Publications
- Health Insurance, Health care and Labor Supply by Older Adults (Research Brief)
- Health Insurance, Health Care and Labor Supply by Older Adults (Working Paper)