Owen Zidar

Princeton University, National Bureau of Economic Research

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Owen Zidar is a leading economist whose research centers on public finance, taxation, and labor market inequality. His most prominent work investigates how employer-sponsored health insurance shapes the U.S. labor market. In his highly cited paper, "The Health Wedge and Labor Market Inequality," Zidar demonstrates that employer premium contributions function as a flat "head tax" per worker, regardless of earnings. This insight reveals a critical mechanism driving wage disparities: the health wedge disproportionately burdens lower-income workers, exacerbating inequality. By developing and calibrating a stylized labor market model, he provides a rigorous framework for understanding how this uniquely American approach to health insurance distorts labor outcomes. His work has garnered significant attention, with early citations already reflecting its impact on policy debates. Zidar’s contributions are essential for students and researchers seeking to grasp the intersection of health policy, taxation, and economic inequality. His research not only illuminates a major driver of labor market disparities but also offers actionable insights for reforming the U.S. health insurance system to promote greater equity.