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Welfare reform and childhood health status and utilization

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  • Vaughn, Cody N.

Abstract

I examine the impact of the implementation of the 1990s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, commonly referred to as welfare reform, on objective and subjective measures of child health, healthcare utilization, and insurance coverage. I find that exposure to welfare reform in childhood is associated with an increased likelihood of chronic physical health conditions, lower healthcare utilization, and a higher rate of private insurance coverage. Given the evidence in the literature of the importance of childhood health, these findings potentially have significant ramifications for future adult health.

Suggested Citation

  • Vaughn, Cody N., 2023. "Welfare reform and childhood health status and utilization," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:150:y:2023:i:c:s0190740923001998
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Welfare reform; Child well-being; Child health; TANF; Healthcare utilization; Insurance coverage;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • 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
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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