Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/245744 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 14693
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We estimate the impact on child health of the unanticipated introduction of the Australian Baby Bonus, a $3,000 one-off unconditional cash transfer at birth. Using regression discontinuity methods and linked administrative data from South Australia, we find that treated babies had fewer preventable, acute, and urgent hospital presentations—medical care available without co-payments—in the first two years of life. The payment later increased demand for elective care, which requires planning, medical referrals, and often co-payments. Our effects are strongest for disadvantaged families. Our findings suggest that up to 34% of the payout were recouped within the first year.
Subjects: 
unconditional cash transfers
baby bonus
child health
health care utilization
regression discontinuity design
natural experiment
linked administrative data
JEL: 
I14
I38
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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