Publications [#238736] of Frank A. Sloan

Journal Articles

1. Ostermann, J; Sloan, FA, The effect of heavy drinking on social security old-age and survivors insurance contributions and benefits., The Milbank quarterly, vol. 82 no. 3 (January, 2004), pp. 507-546, ISSN 0887-378X [15330975], [doi]
   (last updated on 2025/05/11)

   Abstract:
   This article estimates the effects of heavy alcohol consumption on Social Security Old-Age and Survivor Insurance (OASI) contributions and benefits. The analysis accounts for differential earnings and mortality experiences of individuals with different alcohol consumption patterns and controls for other characteristics, including smoking. Relative to moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers receive fewer OASI benefits relative to their contributions. Ironically, for each cohort of 25-year-olds, eliminating heavy drinking costs the program an additional $3 billion over the cohort's lifetime. Public health campaigns are designed to improve individual health-relevant behaviors and, in the long run, increase longevity. Therefore, if programs for the elderly are structured as longevity-independent defined benefit programs, their success will reward healthier behaviors but increase these programs' outlays and worsen their financial condition.