RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Medicaid Benefit Generosity and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Medicaid Adult Vision Benefits
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1117-9193R2
DO 10.3368/jhr.56.2.1117-9193R2
A1 Michel H. Boudreaux
A1 Brandy J. Lipton
YR 2019
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2019/08/02/jhr.56.2.1117-9193R2.abstract
AB This paper examines whether Medicaid adult vision coverage affects labor market activity using state-by-year changes to these benefits. We find that vision benefits increase hours worked and occupational skill requirements, but no consistent evidence of changes on the extensive employment margin. Intensive margin effects could be facilitated by decreased barriers to transportation - when a state covers vision services, beneficiaries are more likely to commute to work by car or motorcycle rather than other modes. Our study suggests that, conditional on eligibility, Medicaid can have a positive effect on labor market activity by expanding access to services that enable work.