Research Report Using Behavioral Economics to Inform the Integration of Human Services and Health Programs under the Affordable Care Act
Fredric Blavin, Stan Dorn, Jay Dev
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Behavioral economics, which analyzes how behavior sometimes departs from the rational calculation of self-interest, can help Medicaid programs use targeted enrollment strategies more effectively by eliminating apparently modest procedural requirements, which can greatly reduce participation levels. It can also help health coverage applicants receive SNAP, even though demonstrating eligibility for health subsidies and choosing a health plan can tax many consumers' cognitive resources, making it hard to process information about SNAP. For example, health applicants could be given the option to have the state's food agency contact them later to complete a SNAP application by phone.
Research Areas Health and health care Social safety net
Tags Health insurance Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Welfare and safety net programs Health care delivery and payment Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program  State programs, budgets Hunger and food assistance State Children's Health Insurance Program Health care systems and managed care plans Food insecurity and hunger Affordable Care Act
Policy Centers Health Policy Center