| Title | The effect of heavy drinking on social security old-age and survivors insurance contributions and benefits. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2004 |
| Authors | Ostermann, J, Sloan, FA |
| Journal | Milbank Q |
| Volume | 82 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 507-46, table of contents |
| Date Published | 2004 |
| ISSN Number | 0887-378X |
| Keywords | Accidents, Traffic, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Alcoholism, Cost Sharing, Female, Health Behavior, Humans, Insurance Coverage, Life Expectancy, Male, Middle Aged, Old Age Assistance, Social Security, United States |
| Abstract | This article estimates the effects of heavy alcohol consumption on Social Security Old-Age and Survivor Insurance (OASI) contributions and benefits. The analysis accounts for differential earnings and mortality experiences of individuals with different alcohol consumption patterns and controls for other characteristics, including smoking. Relative to moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers receive fewer OASI benefits relative to their contributions. Ironically, for each cohort of 25-year-olds, eliminating heavy drinking costs the program an additional $3 billion over the cohort's lifetime. Public health campaigns are designed to improve individual health-relevant behaviors and, in the long run, increase longevity. Therefore, if programs for the elderly are structured as longevity-independent defined benefit programs, their success will reward healthier behaviors but increase these programs' outlays and worsen their financial condition. |
| Notes | RDA 1996-024 |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.0887-378X.2004.00320.x |
| User Guide Notes | |
| Endnote Keywords | Alcohol Drinking/Social Security |
| Endnote ID | 12382 |
| Alternate Journal | Milbank Q |
| Citation Key | 6925 |
| PubMed ID | 15330975 |
| PubMed Central ID | PMC2690221 |
| Grant List | R01 AA012162 / AA / NIAAA NIH HHS / United States |
