University of New Hampshire Scholars\u27 Repository
Abstract
This brief examines the impact of state-level adoption of Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs) on a set of health-related outcomes for children, including: (1) health insurance coverage, (2) use of preventive medical and dental care, and (3) health status measures including maternal reports of child health and body mass index. It also considers the possibility that the effect of the EITC on these outcomes may vary depending on where a child lives; families in urban and rural communities have different access to medical care and other resources that promote good health. Author Reagan Baughman reports that the expansion of state EITCs is associated with lower rates of public health insurance coverage and greater rates of private health insurance coverage among children. In addition, implementation of a state EITC appears to be associated with a significant improvement in a child\u27s health status for children ages 11 to 14 as reported by the child\u27s mother
