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Do Microfinance Programs Help Families Insure Consumption Against Illness?

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Gertler

    (Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley & NBER)

  • David I. Levine

    (Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley)

  • Enrico Moretti

    (Department of Economics, UCLA)

Abstract

Families in developing countries face enormous financial risks from major illness both in terms of the cost of medical care and the loss in income associated with reduced labor supply and productivity. We test whether access to microfinancial savings and lending institutions helps Indonesian families smooth consumption after declines in adult health. In general, results support the importance of these institutions in helping families to self-insure consumption against health shocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Gertler & David I. Levine & Enrico Moretti, 2003. "Do Microfinance Programs Help Families Insure Consumption Against Illness?," Development and Comp Systems 0303004, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0303004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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