Insurance Choice with Non-Monetary Plan Attributes: Limited Consideration in Medicare Part D
I propose a model of insurance demand where non-monetary attributes determine which plans an individual considers, and monetary attributes determine an individual's expected utility. This approach reconciles the classic view of insurance as purely financial with the empirical finding that choice is driven by additional attributes. I estimate the model using Medicare Part D data, allowing for unobserved heterogeneity in consideration and preferences. I find the former plays a crucial role: more than 90% of individuals consider 5 or fewer plans, approximately lO°lo of the menu. Additionally, estimates of risk preferences are comparable to existing studies of similar stakes.