LIFE INSURANCE HOLDINGS AND WELL-BEING OF SURVIVING SPOUSES

Timothy F. Harris; Aaron Yelowitz

doi:10.1111/coep.12211

LIFE INSURANCE HOLDINGS AND WELL-BEING OF SURVIVING SPOUSES

Timothy F. Harris, Aaron Yelowitz

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Premature death of a breadwinner can have devastating financial consequences on surviving dependents. This study investigates the role of life insurance in mitigating the long-run financial consequences of spousal mortality. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we examine individuals whose spouses died during or soon after his or her peak earnings years. After controlling for socioeconomic status, we find that sizable lump-sum life insurance payouts do not significantly influence spousal well-being. (JEL D31, G22, I31, J32, J33, J38).

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	526-538
Number of pages	13
Journal	Contemporary Economic Policy
Volume	36
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/coep.12211
State	Published - Jul 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Western Economic Association International

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Business, Management and Accounting
Economics and Econometrics
Public Administration

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10.1111/coep.12211

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abstract = "Premature death of a breadwinner can have devastating financial consequences on surviving dependents. This study investigates the role of life insurance in mitigating the long-run financial consequences of spousal mortality. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we examine individuals whose spouses died during or soon after his or her peak earnings years. After controlling for socioeconomic status, we find that sizable lump-sum life insurance payouts do not significantly influence spousal well-being. (JEL D31, G22, I31, J32, J33, J38).",

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AB - Premature death of a breadwinner can have devastating financial consequences on surviving dependents. This study investigates the role of life insurance in mitigating the long-run financial consequences of spousal mortality. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we examine individuals whose spouses died during or soon after his or her peak earnings years. After controlling for socioeconomic status, we find that sizable lump-sum life insurance payouts do not significantly influence spousal well-being. (JEL D31, G22, I31, J32, J33, J38).

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LIFE INSURANCE HOLDINGS AND WELL-BEING OF SURVIVING SPOUSES

Abstract

Bibliographical note

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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