Health Shocks and Behavior Change: Health behaviors are often persistent, but health shocks can drive significant changes. Using administrative and survey data, this study analyzes the impact of heart attacks and strokes on health beliefs and behaviors in a treated vs. not-yet-treated event-study design. Results show lasting declines in smoking and alcohol use and increased preventive medication uptake. These changes exceed what can be attributed to health status alone, highlighting the role of updated health perceptions and long-term learning effects in driving behavioral adjustments.

Health Perceptions and Insurance Choices: Perceptions of health may diverge from objective indicators, influencing actions like insurance decisions. This study analyzes Dutch adults’ deductible choices, linking survey data with administrative records to assess the role of private health information. Results show individuals’ health beliefs predict costs and influence deductible choices, but many, particularly older healthier individuals, fail to align choices with their private information.

Wage Disparities and NHS Turnover: Pay regulation in the NHS creates wage gaps with local labor markets, contributing to staff turnover and reduced care quality. Using panel data from 2010–2019, this study links turnover among doctors, nurses, and support staff to local “outside” wage growth, particularly in the private sector. A 10% rise in private sector wages increased nursing turnover in A&E departments by 1.83%. These findings underscore the role of wage dynamics in shaping ongoing NHS workforce challenges.