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Political sustainability and the design of social insurance

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  • Casamatta, Georges
  • Cremer, Helmuth
  • Pestieau, Pierre

Abstract

This paper examines how the issue of political support affects the design of social insurance. It distinguishes between redistributive character and size of social protection. Three main results emerge. First, it may be appropriate to adopt a system which is less redistributive than otherwise optimal, in order to ensure political support for an adequate level of coverage in the second (voting) stage. Second, supplementary private insurance may increase the welfare of the poor, even if it is effectively bought only by the rich. Third, the case for prohibiting (supplementary) private insurance may become stronger when the efficiency of private insurance markets increases.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

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  • Casamatta, Georges & Cremer, Helmuth & Pestieau, Pierre, 2000. "Political sustainability and the design of social insurance," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 75(3), pages 341-364, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:75:y:2000:i:3:p:341-364
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    References listed on IDEAS

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