# State Medicaid Expansions and Mortality, Revisited: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

 Title: State Medicaid Expansions and Mortality, Revisited: A Cost-Benefit Analysis Author: Sommers, Benjamin Daniel Citation: Sommers, Benjamin D. 2016. State Medicaid Expansions and Mortality, Revisited: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. American Journal of Health Economics. Forthcoming. Full Text & Related Files: Mcaid Mortality Revisited DASH Version.pdf (500.6Kb; PDF) Abstract: Previous research found that Medicaid expansions in New York, Arizona, and Maine in the early 2000’s reduced mortality. I revisit this question with improved data and methods, exploring distinct causes of death and presenting a cost-benefit analysis. Differences-in-differences analysis using a propensity-score control group shows that all-cause mortality declined by 6%, with the most robust reductions for healthcare-amenable causes. HIV-related mortality (affected by the recent introduction of antiretrovirals) accounted for 20% of the effect. Mortality changes were closely linked to county-level coverage gains, with one life saved annually for every 239-316 adults gaining insurance. The results imply a cost-per-life saved ranging from $327,000 to$867,000, which compares favorably to most estimates of the value of a statistical life. Terms of Use: This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Open Access Policy Articles, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#OAP Citable link to this page: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:27305958 Downloads of this work: