ACA Coverage Expansions and Rates of Suicide Among Young and Working Age Adults
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Abstract
This research studies whether expansions in insurance coverage from the Affordable Care Act resulted in lower rates of suicide among two distinct populations. We study how the ACA’s Dependent Coverage Expansion affected suicide rates for young adult dependents eligible to stay on their parents’ private insurance plans. We also explore how expansions in Medicaid for low-income adults affected suicide rates in the age group most likely gaining coverage. Availability of insurance reduces out of pocket costs for mental health care that may prove beneficial in treating depression and other causes of suicidality reflected in mortality trends observed in the data.
ACA Coverage Expansions and Rates of Suicide Among Young and Working Age Adults
This research studies whether expansions in insurance coverage from the Affordable Care Act resulted in lower rates of suicide among two distinct populations. We study how the ACA’s Dependent Coverage Expansion affected suicide rates for young adult dependents eligible to stay on their parents’ private insurance plans. We also explore how expansions in Medicaid for low-income adults affected suicide rates in the age group most likely gaining coverage. Availability of insurance reduces out of pocket costs for mental health care that may prove beneficial in treating depression and other causes of suicidality reflected in mortality trends observed in the data.