LIFE INSURANCE HOLDINGS AND WELL-BEING OF SURVIVING SPOUSES

Timothy F. Harris, Aaron Yelowitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)526-538
Number of pages13
JournalContemporary Economic Policy
Volume36
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Western Economic Association International

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business, Management and Accounting (all)
  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Public Administration

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