ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Faculty Research Working Paper Series
ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Working Paper No. RWP09-022
July 2009
Abstract
This study assesses the factors influencing the movement of people across health plans. We distinguish three types of cost-related transitions: adverse selection, the movement of the less healthy to more generous plans; adverse retention, the tendency for people to stay where they are when they get sick; and aging in place, where lack of all movement makes plans with initially older enrollees increase in cost over time. Using data from the Group Insurance Commission in Massachusetts, we show that aging in place and adverse selection are both quantitatively important. Each can materially impact equilibrium enrollments, especially when premiums to enrollees reflect these costs.
Citation
Cutler, David, Bryan Lincoln, and Richard Zeckhauser. "Selection Stories: Understanding Movement Across Health Plans." ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Faculty Research Working Paper Series RWP09-022, July 2009.