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RETRACTED: The Effects of Environmental Regulations on Medical Expenses: Evidence from China

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  • Hongshan Ai

    (School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Changsha 410079, China)

  • Xiaoqing Tan

    (School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Changsha 410079, China)

  • Zhen Xia

    (School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China)

Abstract

In this study, we examine the effects of a special period regulation (SPR), implemented in the Chang-Zhu-Tan (Changsha City, Zhuzhou City, and Xiangtan City; CZT) region, regarding medical expenses paid by the Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) and Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) programs, using a difference-in-differences (DID) design. We find that the SPR significantly reduces medical expenses in the CZT region, which appears to be driven by improved air quality. Furthermore, this regulation has a significantly negative and positive impact on medical expenses paid by the UURBMI and UEBMI, respectively. In summary, our results provide empirical evidence for the orderly implementation of command-and-control environmental regulation policies from the perspective of health benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongshan Ai & Xiaoqing Tan & Zhen Xia, 2022. "RETRACTED: The Effects of Environmental Regulations on Medical Expenses: Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7567-:d:843844
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