Enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans in Miami-Dade County: Evidence of Status Quo Bias?

34 Pages Posted: 16 Nov 2013 Last revised: 1 Mar 2025

See all articles by Anna Sinaiko

Anna Sinaiko

Harvard University

Chris Afendulis

Harvard University - Department of Health Care Policy

Richard G. Frank

Harvard Medical School; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: November 2013

Abstract

Evidence from behavioral economics reveals that decision-making in health care settings can be affected by circumstances and choice architecture. This paper conducts an analysis of choice of private Medicare plans (Medicare Advantage plans) in Miami-Dade County. We provide a detailed description of the choice of MA plans available in Miami over much of the program's history and the composition of Medicare beneficiaries in Miami over the 2000s. Our analysis suggests that first becoming eligible for Medicare is the key transition point for MA, and that there is significant status quo bias in the MA market. This consumer behavior has important implications for policy that regulates the MA market.

Suggested Citation

Sinaiko, Anna and Afendulis, Chris and Frank, Richard G., Enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans in Miami-Dade County: Evidence of Status Quo Bias? (November 2013). NBER Working Paper No. w19639, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2355645

Anna Sinaiko (Contact Author)

Harvard University ( email )

1875 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Chris Afendulis

Harvard University - Department of Health Care Policy ( email )

180 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
United States

Richard G. Frank

Harvard Medical School ( email )

Department of Health Care Policy
Boston, MA 02115
United States
617-432-0178 (Phone)
617-432-1219 (Fax)

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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