In this paper we study the implications of random discount rates of future generations for saving... more In this paper we study the implications of random discount rates of future generations for saving behavior and capital holdings in steady-state competitive equilibrium. We examine conditions under which this randomness is sufficient for households other than the most patient to save, thus providing a simple and natural way to overcome a difficulty encountered in deterministic models.
This paper constructs a model of saving for retired single people that includes heterogeneity in ... more This paper constructs a model of saving for retired single people that includes heterogeneity in medical expenses and life expectancies, and bequest motives. We estimate the model using Assets and Health Dynamics of the Oldest Old data and the method of simulated moments. Out-of-pocket medical expenses rise quickly with age and permanent income. The risk of living long and requiring expensive medical care is a key driver of saving for many higher-income elderly. Social insurance programs such as Medicaid rationalize the low asset holdings of the poorest but also benefit the rich by insuring them against high medical expenses at the ends of their lives. (c) 2010 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved..
In this paper we study the implications of random discount rates of future generations for saving... more In this paper we study the implications of random discount rates of future generations for saving behavior and capital holdings in steady-state competitive equilibrium. We examine conditions under which this randomness is sufficient for households other than the most patient to save, thus providing a simple and natural way to overcome a difficulty encountered in deterministic models.
This paper constructs a model of saving for retired single people that includes heterogeneity in ... more This paper constructs a model of saving for retired single people that includes heterogeneity in medical expenses and life expectancies, and bequest motives. We estimate the model using Assets and Health Dynamics of the Oldest Old data and the method of simulated moments. Out-of-pocket medical expenses rise quickly with age and permanent income. The risk of living long and requiring expensive medical care is a key driver of saving for many higher-income elderly. Social insurance programs such as Medicaid rationalize the low asset holdings of the poorest but also benefit the rich by insuring them against high medical expenses at the ends of their lives. (c) 2010 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved..
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