ASYMMETRIC EFFECTS OF MARITAL SEPARATION ON HEALTH INSURANCE AMONG MEN AND WOMEN

In: Contemporary economic policy: a journal of Western Economic Association International, Band 25, Heft 1, S. 92-106

Abstract

Despite widespread interest among policy researchers in the effect of job displacement on insurance loss, there is little focus in the literature on the insurance implications of a married person losing his or her spouse. Using a large household survey, this article finds that despite legislation aimed at protecting separating spouses, individuals remain at risk of losing health insurance in the event of marital disruption. This is especially true for wives who are enrolled in their husbands' plans prior to marital termination. (JEL D13, I18)