The Effect of Family Planning Programs on the Fertility of Welfare Recipients: Evidence from Medicaid Claims
利用马里兰州医疗补助索赔数据，采用双变量probit模型估计计划生育服务对女性福利领取者生育率的影响，发现其降低生育率的效果远超以往单方程估计的结果。
This paper explores the effectiveness of family planning (FP) services subsidized by the Medicaid program in lowering the fertility of female welfare recipients. Previous studies used single-equation estimates and produced conflicting and sometimes confounding results. Thus this study employed a bivariate probit model to estimate the effect of contraceptive acceptance on the individuals probability of giving birth without the bias that may result from single-equation estimates. A unique data set created from Maryland Medicaid claims records was also used. Results suggest that Medicaid FP programs are much more effective at lowering fertility than indicated by previous studies using single-equation estimates.