Health Insurance Expansions and Provider Behavior: Evidence from Substance Use Disorder Providers

61 Pages Posted: 30 Jan 2017 Last revised: 6 Feb 2023

See all articles by Catherine Maclean

Catherine Maclean

Temple University

Ioana Popovici

Nova Southeastern University

Elisheva Stern

Temple University

Date Written: January 2017

Abstract

We examine how substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers respond to private insurance expansions induced by state equal coverage (‘parity’) laws for SUD treatment vis-à-vis general healthcare services. Economic theory suggests that such laws will lead to changes in provider behaviors. We use data on licensed specialty SUD treatment providers in the United States between 1997 and 2010 in a differences-in-differences analysis. During this period, 12 states implemented laws that require equality in coverage for SUD treatment. Following the passage of a state parity law we find that providers are less likely to participate in public markets, are less likely to offer price discounts to patients, and increase the quantity of healthcare provided. Further we find evidence that treatment intensity declines following passage of a parity law and heterogeneity in effects across ownership status.

Suggested Citation

Maclean, Catherine and Popovici, Ioana and Stern, Elisheva, Health Insurance Expansions and Provider Behavior: Evidence from Substance Use Disorder Providers (January 2017). NBER Working Paper No. w23094, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2907897

Catherine Maclean (Contact Author)

Temple University ( email )

Philadelphia, PA 19122
United States

Ioana Popovici

Nova Southeastern University ( email )

3301 College Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314
United States

Elisheva Stern

Temple University ( email )

Philadelphia, PA 19122
United States

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