Abstract
Growth in the number of days between an appointment request and the actual appointment reduces demand. Although such waiting times are relatively low in the US, current policy initiatives could cause them to increase. We estimate multiple-equation models of physician utilization and insurance plan choice for Medicare-eligible veterans. We find that a 10% increase in VA waiting times increases demand for Medigap insurance by 5%, implying that a representative patient would be indifferent between waiting an average of 5 more days for VA appointments and paying $300 more in annual premium.
Published by Elsevier B.V.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Ambulatory Care / economics
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Ambulatory Care / organization & administration*
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Choice Behavior
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Female
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Health Services Needs and Demand / statistics & numerical data
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Humans
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Insurance, Medigap / economics
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Insurance, Medigap / statistics & numerical data*
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Male
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Medicare / economics
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Medicare / statistics & numerical data*
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Time Factors
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United States
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United States Department of Veterans Affairs / economics
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United States Department of Veterans Affairs / statistics & numerical data*
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Veterans / psychology*
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Veterans / statistics & numerical data
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Waiting Lists*