Working Paper: NBER ID: w31971
Authors: Analisa Packham; David Slusky
Abstract: We estimate the causal impact of access to means-tested public health insurance coverage (Medicaid) on health outcomes and recidivism for those recently released from incarceration. To do so, we leverage a policy change in South Carolina that allowed simplified Medicaid enrollment for previously incarcerated eligible individuals. Using linked administrative data on criminal convictions and health insurance claims, we find that reducing barriers in access to Medicaid for vulnerable populations increases enrollment and utilization of some health care services. However, we do not find that this improved health care insurance access reduces 1-year or 3-year recidivism, suggesting that effectiveness of such policies is context dependent.
Keywords: Medicaid; Health Outcomes; Recidivism; Public Health Insurance; Criminal Justice
JEL Codes: I18; I38; K42
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Reducing barriers to Medicaid re-enrollment (I18) | Increase in probability of ex-offenders being enrolled in Medicaid (I18) |
| Increase in Medicaid enrollment (I18) | Increase in healthcare service utilization (I11) |
| Increase in healthcare service utilization (I11) | No significant change in recidivism rates (K14) |
| Reducing barriers to Medicaid re-enrollment (I18) | No significant change in recidivism rates (K14) |