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Income Receipt, Economic Activities, and Health: Evidence from Ambulance Transport Patterns

Author

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  • Yoko Ibuka

    (Faculty of Economics, Keio University & Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa)

  • Junya Hamaaki

    (Faculty of Economics, Hosei University)

Abstract

Studies suggest that mortality increases after income receipt. To examine whether the adverse effect of income on health is induced by economic activities and how certain economic activities are related to specific health conditions, we investigate within-month cycles in ambulance transport, utilizing detailed information on the locations of the origin and timing of the transports. Our analysis exploits the difference in the number of patients on the same day between payment and non-payment months, using the Japanese National Pension for the elderly that is distributed bi- monthly. We observe a 4.5% increase in ambulance transports on the day of pension payment, primarily attributed to heightened economic activities such as gambling or amusement, shopping, and dining out. We have suggestive evidence indicating that this increase in transport is linked to a relaxation in liquidity. These findings have implications for healthcare system preparedness and the optimal design of public benefit payment.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoko Ibuka & Junya Hamaaki, 2024. "Income Receipt, Economic Activities, and Health: Evidence from Ambulance Transport Patterns," Working Papers 202401, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hai:wpaper:202401
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Emergency Medical Services; Social Security Payment; Time Stamp; Excess Sensitivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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