The Long-Run Effects of Childhood Insurance Coverage: Medicaid Implementation, Adult Health, and Labor Market Outcomes

This paper estimates the long-run effects of childhood Medicaid eligibility on adult health and economic outcomes using program’s original introduction ( 1966–1970) its mandated coverage welfare recipients. The design compares cohorts born in different years relative to implementation, states with preexisting welfare-based eligibility. Early reduces mortality disability, increases employment, receipt disability transfer programs up 50 later. has saved government more than cost 10 million quality adjusted life years. (JEL H51, I12, I18, I32, I38, J13)