Publication

“Disability and Distress: The Effect of Disability Programs on Financial Outcomes,” with Manasi Deshpande and Tal Gross.  Manuscript. Online Appendix. 

[April 2021, American Economic Journal: Applied ]

Abstract: We provide the first evidence on the relationship between disability programs and markers of financial distress: bankruptcy, foreclosure, eviction, and home sale. Rates of these adverse financial events peak around the time of disability application. Using variation induced by an age-based eligibility rule, we find that disability allowance reduces the likelihood of bankruptcy (0.77 percentage point or 31 percent), foreclosure (1.8 percentage point or 34 percent), and home sale (1.8 percentage point or 15 percent). We present evidence that these changes reflect true reductions in financial distress. Considering these extreme events increases the optimal disability benefit amount and suggests a shorter optimal waiting time. 

Research in Progress

“Does Refined Diagnostic Information Matter? Evidence from ICD-10 Adoption"

"Enrollment, Utilization, and Fiscal Costs in Medicare Advantage," with Zarek Brot-Goldberg and Boris Vabson.

"Effects of Medical Bills on Healthcare Utilization: Evidence from Surprise Billing," with Afia Khan and Yashna Nandan.