Income, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and Infant Health

Hilary Hoynes, Doug Miller and David Simon

American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2015, vol. 7, issue 1, 172-211

Abstract: This paper uses quasi-experimental variation from federal tax reform to evaluate the effect of the EITC on infant health outcomes. We find that the EITC reduces the incidence of low birth weight and increases mean birth weight: a $1,000 treatment-on-the-treated leads to a 2 to 3 percent decline in low birth weight. Our results suggest that the candidate mechanisms include more prenatal care and less negative health behaviors (smoking). Additionally, we find a shift from public to private insurance coverage, and for some a reduction in insurance overall, indicating a potential change in the quality and perhaps quantity of coverage. (JEL H24, I12, I38, J13)

JEL-codes: H24 I12 I38 J13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
Note: DOI: 10.1257/pol.20120179
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (221)

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Working Paper: Income, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and Infant Health (2012)
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