The Roots of Health Inequality and the Value of Intrafamily Expertise

In the context of Sweden, we show that having a doctor in family raises preventive health investments throughout life cycle, improves physical health, and prolongs life. Two quasi-experimental research designs—medical school admission lotteries variation timing medical degrees—support causal interpretation these effects. A hypothetical policy would bring same behavior changes benefits to all Swedes close 18 percent mortality-income gradient. Our results suggest socioeconomic differences exposure health-related expertise may meaningfully contribute inequality. (JEL D15, G22, I12, I13, I14, I18)