Losing Medicaid and Crime

This study examines how losing health insurance affects crime by analyzing a major Medicaid disenrollment in Tennessee in 2005, when the state cut coverage for a large number of low-income residents. The researchers note that while prior studies have shown gaining insurance reduces crime — largely by improving mental health and substance use outcomes — little is known about what happens when people lose coverage. Using FBI crime data from 2002 to 2007, they compare crime trends in Tennessee counties with higher versus lower Medicaid enrollment before the disenrollment, and find that losing coverage led to significant increases in both non-violent crime (especially theft) and violent crime (especially assault). They attribute these increases to the financial strain, reduced healthcare access, and worsening health that followed the loss of coverage — all of which are established drivers of criminal behavior.

Read the study from the National Bureau of Economic research