scholarly journals Fear of catastrophic health expenditures and unrealistic expectations from supplementary health insurance: ethnic differences

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-289
Author(s):  
Neta HaGani ◽  
Samah Hayek ◽  
Jalal Tarabeia ◽  
Mohammad Yehia ◽  
Manfred S Green

Abstract Background In Israel, the whole population is covered by comprehensive universal health insurance. Despite that, most of the population purchases supplementary health insurance (SHI). It has been shown that individuals purchase more health insurance and preventive medicine when they are uncertain of their state of health, while a majority may not fully understand basic concepts in their health insurance coverage. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of fear of catastrophic health expenditures and unrealistic expectations in purchasing SHI, which does not cover expenses for life-threatening illnesses. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among random samples of 814 Jews and 800 Arabs in Israel. A structured questionnaire was administered by telephone using random digit dialling. Log-linear regression was used to identify factors associated with reasons for purchasing SHI and expectations from SHI. Results The most common reason for purchasing SHI was fear of catastrophic health-related expenditures (41%). The most important service expected from SHI was ‘cancer medications’ (mean 4.68 [standard deviation 0.87]). Differences in the reasons for purchasing SHI and in expectations from SHI were found according to population group, age, gender and education. Conclusions Consumers’ misconceptions and fear of catastrophic health expenditures are major factors leading to the purchase of SHI, despite universal health coverage. Improved and accessible information should help consumers make informed decisions as to whether or not to purchase SHI.

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Asefzadeh ◽  
Bahman Ahadi Nezhad ◽  
Saeed Norouzi

Background: Out-of-pocket payment encompasses the costs that patients pay for healthcare services, which is an inefficient approach to healthcare financing as it may lead to poverty. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the risk of catastrophic health expenditures due to non-medical costs in the outpatients in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 341 outpatients referring to the internists of Velayat Hospital and Bu-Ali Sina Hospital in Qazvin. The required data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and the prescriptions of the patients. Out-of-pocket payments were defined as the direct medical and non-medical costs within one month. Results: The mean out-of-pocket payments of the patients in one month was 49.97 dollars, 75.8% of which covered direct medical cost (disease diagnosis and treatment), and 24.2% covered direct non-medical costs to receive health services. The highest out-of-pocket payments were for diagnostic/laboratory tests (50.3%), medications (21.5%), and transportation (18.2%). In addition, the exposure rate to catastrophic expenditures was estimated at 31%, and the patients with lower income had less exposure compared to those without incomes. Conclusions: According to the results, direct non-medical costs were associated with the increased out-of-pocket payments of the patients, which in turn led to the higher rates of catastrophic expenditures.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Ling Ngai Tung ◽  
Vincent Chun Man Yan ◽  
Winnie Ling Yin Tai ◽  
Jing Han Chen ◽  
Joanne Wai-yee Chung ◽  
...  

Objectives: to explore nurses' knowledge of universal health coverage (UHC) for inclusive and sustainable development of elderly care services. Method: this was a cross-sectional survey. A convenience sample of 326 currently practicing enrolled nurses (EN) or registered nurses (RN) was recruited. Respondents completed a questionnaire which was based on the implementation strategies advocated by the WHO Global Forum for Governmental Chief Nursing Officers and Midwives (GCNOMs). Questions covered the government initiative, healthcare financing policy, human resources policy, and the respondents' perception of importance and contribution of nurses in achieving UHC in elderly care services. Results: the knowledge of nurses about UHC in elderly care services was fairly satisfactory. Nurses in both clinical practice and management perceived themselves as having more contribution and importance than those in education. They were relatively indifferent to healthcare policy and politics. Conclusion: the survey uncovered a considerable knowledge gap in nurses' knowledge of UHC in elderly care services, and shed light on the need for nurses to be more attuned to healthcare policy. The educational curriculum for nurses should be strengthened to include studies in public policy and advocacy. Nurses can make a difference through their participation in the development and implementation of UHC in healthcare services.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e031543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter O Otieno ◽  
Elvis Omondi Achach Wambiya ◽  
Shukri F Mohamed ◽  
Hermann Pythagore Pierre Donfouet ◽  
Martin K Mutua

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of health insurance and associated factors among households in urban slum settings in Nairobi, Kenya.DesignThe data for this study are from a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 18 years or older from randomly selected households in Viwandani slums (Nairobi, Kenya). Respondents participated in the Lown scholars’ study conducted between June and July 2018.SettingThe Lown scholars’ survey was nested in the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Viwandani slums in Nairobi, Kenya.ParticipantsA total of 300 randomly sampled households participated in the survey. The study respondents comprised of either the household head, their spouses or credible adult household members.Primary outcome measureThe primary outcome of this study was enrolment in a health insurance programme. The households were classified into two groups: those having at least one member covered by health insurance and those without any health insurance cover.ResultsThe prevalence of health insurance in the sample was 43%. Being unemployed (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.17; p<0.05; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.47) and seeking care from a public health facility (aOR 0.50; p<0.05; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.89) was significantly associated with lower odds of having a health insurance cover. The odds of having a health insurance cover were significantly lower among respondents who perceived their health status as good (aOR 0.62; p<0.05; 95% CI 1.17 to 5.66) and those who were unsatisfied with the cost of seeking primary care (aOR 0.34; p<0.05; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.69).ConclusionsHealth insurance coverage in Viwandani slums in Nairobi, Kenya, is low. As universal health coverage becomes the growing focus of Kenya’s ‘Big Four Agenda’ for socioeconomic transformation, integrating enabling and need factors in the design of the national health insurance package may scale-up social health protection.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.H. Mabuza ◽  
G.A. Ogunbanjo ◽  
K.E. Hlabyago ◽  
M. Mogotsi

Background: In 2012, the National Department of Health of South Africa launched the National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot program in 11 districts, towards universal health coverage for all South Africans. Health Care Practitioners (HCPs) are important role-players in its implementation. We decided to evaluate to what extent the HCPs were aware of the NHI program after three years of the pilot phase. Objective: To evaluate the awareness of HCPs about the NHI in the pilot Tshwane district of South Africa. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1753 HCPs in Tshwane district. At 95% confidence level and 5% error margin, the sample size was 315 HCPs, but we over-sampled to 480. The study was conducted in 25 health facilities within the district. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used. Results: A high proportion of HCPs were unaware of the objectives of the NHI program (p < 0.001); number of NHI pilot sites [(281; 59.4%) versus (145; 30.7%), p < 0.001]; rationale used to select pilot sites [(223; 46.9%) versus (193; 40.5%), p = 0.047]; role of the Integrated School Health Services (ISHP) [(250; 52.7%) versus (70; 14.8%), p < 0.001]; and specialists constituting the District Clinical Specialist Team (DCST) (p < 0.001). However, awareness regarding the Ward-Based Outreach Team (WBOT) leader was high [(236; 49.9%) versus (135; 28.5%), p < 0.001]. Conclusion: HCPs in Tshwane district demonstrated poor awareness of the NHI. This reveals that any awareness effort towards the NHI has not taken effect among the HCPs in this district.


Author(s):  
Ingan Tarigan ◽  
Taty Suryati

Abstrak Pogram Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) salah satunya bertujuan memberikan perlindungan finansial khususnya biaya katastropik terhadap semua peserta. Penerima manfaat JKN berhak mendapatkan berbagai layanan sebagai bagian dari paket manfaat dasar tanpa mengeluarkan biaya pelayanan, dan diharapkan Out of Pocket (OOP) akan lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan mereka yang tidak memiliki asuransi kesehatan. Tujuan penulisan akan membandingkan total pengeluaran untuk kesehatan dari peserta jaminan kesehatan dengan yang tidak memiliki jaminan kesehatan pada awal era JKN. Dalam analisis ini, pengukuran pengeluaran perawatan kesehatan hanya mencakup biaya pengobatan langsung, seperti biaya konsultasi, pemakaian kamar di rumah sakit dan obat-obatan. Analisis dengan menggunakan data Susenas 2014 terdiri dari 274.673 individu dan 71.051 rumah tangga di 33 provinsi di Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada awal era JKN ada sedikit perbedaan OOP pada penduduk miskin dibandingkan dengan penduduk dimana proteksi finansial terhadap penduduk miskin untuk pengeluaran kesehatan masih rendah.Kepemilikan jaminan kesehatan memberikan proteksi finansial akibat pengeluaran biaya kesehatan, khususnya pengeluaran biaya katastropik dibandingkan dengan yang tidak memiliki jaminan kesehatan. Kepesertaan penduduk miskin ditargetkan tahun 2019 sudah terpenuhi sehingga target pemerintah tentang Universal Health Coverage (UHC) perlindungan finansial pada penduduk miskin dan hampir miskin semakin tinggi atau OOP semakin mendekati nol. Kata kunci: OOP, Pembiayaan, Asuransi Kesehatan Abstract One of the main objectives of the JKN program is to provide financial protection, especially catastrophic costs to all members. JKN beneficiaries are entitled to various services as part of the basic benefit package without incurring service costs, and it is expected that Out of Pocket (OOP) will be lower than those who do not have health insurance. The purpose of writing will be to compare the total health expenditures of health insurance participants or beneficiaries and those without health insurance. In this analysis, the measurement of health care expenditures only includes direct medical expenses, such as consultation fees, hospital room usage and medication. Using Susenas data 2014 consists of 274,673 individuals and 71,051 households in 33 provinces in Indonesia. At the beginning of the JKN implementation, there was little difference of out of pocket in the poorest population compared to the richest population. This shows that financial protection to the poor for health expenditures are still low. The ownership of health insurance tends to provide financial protection due to health expenditures, especially catastrophic expenses compared to those without health insurance. In the Year of 2019 where the government targeted to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) expected protection financial on the poor and near poor is getting higher or out of pocket or getting closer up to zero. Keywords: OOP, Financial Protection, Health Insurance


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghobad Moradi ◽  
Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad ◽  
Farman Zahir Abdullah ◽  
Hossein Safari ◽  
Satar Rezaei ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Higher health costs and financial burden are imposed on people with disabilities due to their health status associated with their disability. Measuring the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) can provide good evidence for health policymakers to assess the current state of financial protection of the health system. The aim of this study was to investigate the percentage of households with disabled children aged 0 to 8 years who had faced CHE due to the health costs of these children in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2000 households with disabled children aged 0 to 8 years in five provinces of Iran in 2020. Data were collected using the World Health Survey questionnaire and face-to-face interview. Households whose health expenditures for disabled members in the family were more than 40% of the household payment capacity were included in the group of households with CHE. Determinants of CHE were identified using logistic regression.Findings: 32.7% of households with disabled children had faced CHE. Head of household being female (Adjusted OR=18.89, 95%CI: 10.88- 29.42), poor economic status of the household (Q1: Adjusted OR = 20.26, 95% CI, 11.42-35.94; Q2: Adjusted OR= 8.27, 95%CI, 4.45-15.36; Q3: Adjusted OR= 13.88, 95%CI, 7.89-24.41), lack of supplementary insurance by a child with disabilities (Adjusted OR= 6.13, 95%CI, 3.39-11.26), having a child with mental disability (Adjusted OR= 2.71, 95%CI, 1.60-4.69), and type of basic health insurance [having Iranian Health Insurance: Adjusted OR= 2.20, 95%CI, 1.38-3.49; having Social security insurance: Adjusted OR= 1.66, 95%CI, 1.06-2.61] significantly increased the chances of facing CHE.Conclusion: A significant percentage of households with disabled children had faced CHE because of their disabled child's health costs. The key determinants of CHE should be considered by health policy-makers in order to more financial protection of these households.


Author(s):  
Maduabuchi R. Ihekoronye ◽  
Kanayo P. Osemene

Background: Achieving universal health coverage in poorly-resourced settings like Nigeria demands optimal mobilization of all healthcare resources including community pharmacists. Such efforts are hampered by insufficient data on primary healthcare (PHC) contributions by community pharmacists. The study aimed to identify PHC services offered by community pharmacists; assess impact of technologies on PHC service quality; and evaluate factors influencing management of PHC services in Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 321 community pharmacies and 642 clients was undertaken between April and August, 2019. Semi-structured pre-tested questionnaires were administered on randomly-selected community pharmacists and clients. Interviews were conducted with key informants. Data were summarized using frequency and percentages while weighted averages on 5-point ordinal scales and chi-square tests were used to identify weights and associations between variables respectively at P<.050. Results: Response rates of pharmacists and clients were 74.7% (N=321) and 100% (N=642); while their median ages were 39.41 and 51.20 years respectively. Community pharmacists offered services in all eight domains of PHC, especially supply of medicines for treating of endemic diseases (mean weighted average [MWA]=4.59), and disease prevention (4.54) but least of vaccine administration (2.39). Blood glucose screening devices were the most adopted technology with significant impact on service quality (χ2 6.86, P=.030). Major challenges to management of PHC services were poor awareness of pharmacists’ roles (4.31) and lack of integration with the PHC infrastructure (4.31). Capacity constraints in finances (4.11), technologies (4.09), and human resources (3.99) were significant. However, major facilitators were pharmacists’ managerial skills (4.35), and strong client relationships (4.27). Conclusion: In Nigeria, community pharmacists offered important PHC services. Deploying technologies were associated with improved service quality. If community pharmacists are integrated in the national PHC architecture and financial incentives are provided, their competences and goodwill would enhance the achievement of universal health coverage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramin Ravangard ◽  
Faride Sadat Jalali ◽  
Mohsen Bayati ◽  
Andrew J. Palmer ◽  
Abdosaleh Jafari ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed special emphasis on protecting households from health care expenditures. Many households face catastrophic health expenditures (CHEs) from a combination of economic poverty and financing the treatment of medical conditions. The present study aimed to measure the percentage of households facing catastrophic CHEs and the factors associated with the occurrence of CHEs in Shiraz, Iran in 2018. Methods The present cross-sectional study was performed on 740 randomly selected households from different districts of Shiraz, Iran in 2018 using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using the Persian version of the “WHO Global Health Survey” questionnaire. CHEs were defined as health expenditures exceeding 40% of households’ capacity to pay. Households living below the poverty line before paying for health services were excluded from the study. The associations between the households’ characteristics and facing CHEs were determined using the Chi-Square test as well as multiple logistic regression modeling in SPSS 23.0 at the significance level of 5%. Results The results showed that 16.48% of studied households had faced CHEs. The higher odds of facing CHEs were observed in the households living in rented houses (OR = 3.14, P-value < 0.001), households with disabled members (OR = 27.98, P-value < 0.001), households with children under 5 years old (OR = 2.718, P-value = 0.02), and those without supplementary health insurance coverage (OR = 1.87, P-value = 0.01). Conclusion CHEs may be reduced by increasing the use of supplementary health insurance coverage by individuals and households, increasing the support of the Social Security and the State Welfare Organizations for households with disabled members, developing programs such as the Integrated Child Care Programs, and setting home rental policies and housing policies for tenants.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document