ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE AND BIOLOGICAL AGE: EVIDENCE FROM DNA METHYLATION IN THE U.S. HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY

This study explores the relationship between health insurance, specifically Medicare, and biological aging in the U.S. population, using indicators derived from epigenetic measures. While chronological age measures time since birth, biological age reflects an individual's physiological condition and can differ significantly due to genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The research focuses on epigenetic aging, particularly DNA methylation patterns captured by epigenetic clocks, which offer measurable insights into the pace of aging. Given the predominantly private structure of the U.S. healthcare system, access to public health insurance may mitigate aging acceleration by improving health outcomes. Through a comprehensive analysis, this paper highlights the role of Medicare in impacting on biological aging, contributing to the broader understanding of how health policy influences long-term population health.