Genetic Tests and Intertemporal Screening in Competitive Insurance Markets
18 Pages Posted: 8 Dec 2006 Last revised: 19 Jan 2010
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Genetic Tests and Intertemporal Screening in Competitive Insurance Markets
Genetic Tests and Intertemporal Screening in Competitive Insurance Markets
Date Written: December 7, 2006
Abstract
We consider successive generations of non-altruistic individuals carrying a good or bad gene. Daughters are more likely to carry their mother's gene than the opposite one. Competitive insurers can perform a genetic test revealing an agent's gene. They may condition their quotes on the agent's or on her ancestors' genetic status. In equilibrium generation one is bribed to take the test with an unconditional quote. The insurer uses this information to profitably screen a finite number of generations of their offspring. The offspring of good gene carriers subsidize the tested generation.
Keywords: genetic tests, insurance, screening, pooling
JEL Classification: D82, G22
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation