The Great Equalizer: Health Care Access and Infant Mortality in Thailand

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Year: 2014
Volume: 6
Issue: 1
Pages: 91-107

Authors (3)

Jonathan Gruber (not in RePEc) Nathaniel Hendren (Harvard University) Robert M. Townsend (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper analyzes Thailand's 2001 healthcare reform, "30 Baht." The program increased funding available to hospitals to care for the poor and reduced copays to 30 Baht (~$0.75). Our estimates suggest the supply-side funding of the program increased healthcare utilization, especially among the poor. Moreover, we find significant impacts on infant mortality. Prior to 30 Baht, poorer provinces had significantly higher infant mortality rates than richer provinces. After 30 Baht, this correlation evaporates to zero. The results suggest that increased access to healthcare among the poor can significantly reduce their infant mortality rates.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejapp:v:6:y:2014:i:1:p:91-107
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-02-02