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Price Elasticities and Social Health Insurance Choice in Germany: A Dynamic Panel Data Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Greß, Stefan
  • Tamm, Marcus
  • Tauchmann, Harald
  • Wasem, Jürgen

Abstract

In 1996 free choice of health insurers has been introduced in the German social health insurance scheme. Competition between insurers was supposed to increase efficiency. A crucial precondition for effective competition among health insurers is that consumers search for lower-priced health insurers.We test this hypothesis by estimating the price elasticities of insurers? market shares. We use unique panel data and specify a dynamic panel model to explain changes in market shares. Estimation results suggest that short-run price elasticities are smaller than previously found by other studies. In the long-run, however, estimation results suggest substantial price effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Greß, Stefan & Tamm, Marcus & Tauchmann, Harald & Wasem, Jürgen, 2005. "Price Elasticities and Social Health Insurance Choice in Germany: A Dynamic Panel Data Approach," RWI Discussion Papers 28, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwidps:28
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Competition; generalized method of moments; health insurance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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