Aaron Yelowitz

Dr. Aaron Yelowitz is a Professor of Economics at the University of Kentucky and a joint faculty member in the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. He holds editorial roles at the Journal of Labor Research, Public Finance Review, and Inquiry. With a PhD from MIT (1994) and BA from UC Santa Barbara (1990), his career includes prior roles as an Assistant Professor at UCLA and Director of the Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise (ISFE), which secured a $3M gift under his leadership. His research focuses on healthcare policy, Medicaid, labor economics, and public policy impacts, often analyzing real-world interventions like the Affordable Care Act (ACA). His work has been cited in major media outlets and on national TV programs.

Dr. Yelowitz’s research interests span health insurance markets, adverse selection, racial disparities in healthcare, and policy evaluation. Notable areas include ACA’s effects on coverage disparities, Medicaid enrollment integrity, and the economic consequences of social distancing during pandemics. He also explores labor market dynamics, such as predictive scheduling laws and ex-offender employment programs.

His recent articles highlight pandemic-related studies (e.g., racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes), ACA’s long-term impacts, and insurance market behaviors. Though no formal awards are listed, his prolific publication record and media presence underscore his influence in public policy discourse. He advises on policy reforms and has collaborated with institutions like the Cato Institute and IZA.