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The Welfare Effects of Long-Term Health Insurance Contracts

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  • Benjamin R. Handel
  • Igal Hendel
  • Michael D. Whinston

Abstract

Reclassification risk is a major concern in health insurance. We use a rich dataset with individual-level information on health risk to empirically study one possible solution: dynamic contracts. Empirically, dynamic contracts with one-sided commitment substantially reduce the reclassification risk present with spot contracting, achieving close to the first-best for consumers with flat net income paths. Gains are smaller for consumers with net income growth, and these consumers prefer ACA-like community rating over dynamic contracts. However, lower risk aversion, sufficient switching costs, or government insurance of pre-age-25 health risks can raise welfare with dynamic contracts above the level in ACA-like markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin R. Handel & Igal Hendel & Michael D. Whinston, 2017. "The Welfare Effects of Long-Term Health Insurance Contracts," NBER Working Papers 23624, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:23624
    Note: EH IO PE
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Geruso & Timothy J. Layton, 2017. "Selection in Health Insurance Markets and Its Policy Remedies," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 31(4), pages 23-50, Fall.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private

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