*New WP*
Demand for COVID-19 Antibody Testing, and Why It Should Be Free

https://ssrn.com/abstract=3607484

In an incentivized experiment (w/ Nora Szech, @KITKarlsruhe) on US representative sample,

- 4 out of 5 want tests if free
- But demand drops by ½ for moderate prices($20)!
(1/n)

Our study is not hypothetical. Decisions are real, as they translate into actual kits. It is before test availability, so there’s no natural or market price available. (2/n)

Demand increases with test value: Older individuals, those more uncertain about having had COVID-19, and those with higher income are willing to pay more. (3/n)

Yet, other factors also matter. Black respondents show lower demand than white and Hispanic respondents, and Trump supporters demand the tests less. (4/n)

To conclude: even moderate prices could widen health inequalities. If policy makers want a broad take-up of testing, the results suggest that tests should be for free. (5/n)

There’s been lots of great recent #Covid_19 research, and much more to learn. Comments welcome! (6/n)