American Economic Review
ISSN 0002-8282 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7981 (Online)
Optimal Expectations and Limited Medical Testing: Evidence from Huntington Disease
American Economic Review
vol. 103,
no. 2, April 2013
(pp. 804–30)
Abstract
We use novel data to study genetic testing among individuals at risk for Huntington disease (HD), a hereditary disease with limited life expectancy. Although genetic testing is perfectly predictive and carries little economic cost, presymptomatic testing is rare. Testing rates increase with increases in ex ante risk of having HD. Untested individuals express optimistic beliefs about their health and make decisions (e.g., retirement) as if they do not have HD, even though individuals with confirmed HD behave differently. We suggest that these facts can be reconciled by an optimal expectations model (Brunnermeier and Parker 2005). (JEL D84, I12)Citation
Oster, Emily, Ira Shoulson, and E. Ray Dorsey. 2013. "Optimal Expectations and Limited Medical Testing: Evidence from Huntington Disease." American Economic Review, 103 (2): 804–30. DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.2.804Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D84 Expectations; Speculations
- I12 Health Production