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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Affordable Care Act Insurance Coverage Gains In The Midwest: Evidence From The Dependent Coverage Provision, Sarah Herz
Affordable Care Act Insurance Coverage Gains In The Midwest: Evidence From The Dependent Coverage Provision, Sarah Herz
Major Themes in Economics
This paper analyzes how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Dependent Coverage Provision affected insurance coverage in the Midwestern region. The Dependent Coverage Provision allows individuals ages 19 to 25 to remain as dependents on parental health insurance plans. This provision was implemented to decrease the number of young adults who were uninsured. Using data from the American Community Survey spanning the years 2008-2013 and estimating difference-in-differences models, I test the impact of the policy implementation on health insurance coverage among a sample of Midwestern young adults. Under my preferred specification, which includes two-way fixed effects and controls for observable characteristics, …
Privatizing Social Security: Economic And Social Concerns, Sarah Madsen
Privatizing Social Security: Economic And Social Concerns, Sarah Madsen
Major Themes in Economics
The U.S. Social Security program is in need of reform. One of the most popular solutions to the long-run financing problem is privatization. This paper examines key economic and social concerns about a shift from a public pay-as-you-go system to a privately-funded system. While a privatized system does reduce overall uncertainty and allows for greater returns, its increased risk and high transition costs make it an unreliable strategy.
Designing Promise Programs: Decisions And Effects, Shay Slifka
Designing Promise Programs: Decisions And Effects, Shay Slifka
Major Themes in Economics
Having gained popularity over the past two decades, promise programs are a relatively new policy tool aimed at increasing the number of people who earn two-year and four-year postsecondary educational degrees by providing partial or full financial aid. In contrast to other forms of financial aid for postsecondary education, promise programs guarantee funding to students of a specified geographic area, which is sometimes accompanied by merit or need-based requirements. Promise programs differ in design, vary in result, and potentially cause substitution and migration effects. By analyzing several mature promise programs, I identify three fundamental design decisions that policymakers must consider …
An Economic Analysis Of The Effects Of Streaming On The Music Industry In Response To Criticism From Taylor Swift, Hugh Zehr
Major Themes in Economics
Since its introduction in the early 2010s, music streaming has transformed the industry. Streaming has both fans and critics. One of the most notable critics is superstar Taylor Swift, who has questioned streaming’s ability to adequately compensate those involved in music creation. My analysis acknowledges her critique and looks specifically into how streaming services have affected all participants in the industry. While streaming initially decreased profits in the music industry as a whole, the industry has adjusted and has seen returns from this new model of music consumption. Streaming services increase benefits to all players in the music industry by …