Transitioning to EBT: Effects on participation

• In Event: Transforming WIC: Policy Shifts and Impacts

Abstract

We use administrative data from a mountain state to explore the effects of transitioning to WIC EBT on participation in WIC. One could imagine that EBT reduces the stigma of continuing to participate in the WIC program/use WIC benefits as well as reducing the transactions costs of recertification. We do this with  merged data on enrollment in and recertification timing for certification with data on the rollout of WIC EBT in our state, which was staggered by county. We do so with a regression discontinuity design, where the running variable is time, and the discontinuity occurs when the County of residence transitions to EBT. Our second stage then considers failure to recertify as an outcome. This work contributes to our understanding of take-up and targeting.

Author

• Marianne Bitler, University of California, Davis
  Presenting Author