Differential Use of Medical Care by Sex

Abstract

Women spend about 50 percent more on average on medical care than men, although men who are hospitalized stay 50 percent longer than women. This study empirically tests several hypotheses that may account for these differences. Results show that these differences are explained by the fact that men may be more able to substitute home for market medical care. Men may also have a lower return to the prior use of medical care because men are more likely to suffer from causes against which medical care is not effective. Potential differences in the value of time do not account for the differences in utilization of medical care.