There are many private companies selling life insurance and there is virtually no problem associated with that market. On the other hand, many people like insurance to smooth their income over the business cycle, especially people working in the growing gig economy where their alternating periods of employment and unemployment. But no one sells income insurance.   question:  1. Why do competitive markets work better for life insurance than for income insurance?  2. Why are governments able to provide this type of insurance when private companies cannot provide it?

Exploring Economics
8th Edition
ISBN:9781544336329
Author:Robert L. Sexton
Publisher:Robert L. Sexton
Chapter8: Market Failure
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There are many private companies selling life insurance and there is virtually no problem associated with that market. On the other hand, many people like insurance to smooth their income over the business cycle, especially people working in the growing gig economy where their alternating periods of employment and unemployment. But no one sells income insurance.  

question: 

1. Why do competitive markets work better for life insurance than for income insurance? 

2. Why are governments able to provide this type of insurance when private companies cannot provide it?
 
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