Robert Kaestner

Robert Kaestner is a Professor in the University of Illinois at Chicago's Department of Economics and a member of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

He is also a Research Associate for the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Professor Kaestner is an expert in health and labor economics and has conducted research on the effects of Medicaid and private health insurance on infant and child health; whether or not expansions in Medicaid crowded out private health insurance; the impact of state policies on the timing, place of occurrence and incidence of abortion; the effects of welfare reform on employment, fertility, health insurance and health; and the effect of Title IX on adolescent physical activity and weight.

Kaestner said he was drawn to IGPA because, “IGPA is the institutional center of the university‘s scholarly activity focused on the formulation, evaluation, and implementation of public policy. Also, IGPA provides the public with credible and insightful research, and professional expertise, in support of public efforts to improve society,” said Kaestner. He sees the IGPA as “the chance to affect public policy.”

Professor Kaestner received his undergraduate degree in Political Science and History from State University of New York at Binghamton in 1980 and his master’s degree in Economics from the same university. In 1988, he received his PhD in Economics from City University of New York.

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