The demand for dental care: evidence from a randomized trial in health insurance

Abstract

Using data from a randomized trial in health insurance, this paper examines the effect of cost sharing on use of dental services. The data come from a sample of the nonaged, noninstitutionalized civilian population of six urban and rural sites. We find that: reducing the level of cost sharing increases demand for dental services; and dental expenses rise 46% when the coinsurance rate falls from 95% to 0%, subject to a catastrophic limit on out-of-pocket expenses. Of this increase, two-thirds is attributable to an increase in the likelihood of visiting a dentist during the year. Moreover, there is a substantial surge in demand during the first year of more generous coverage. The first-year response to cost sharing is nearly twice the second-year response.