Which households are at risk of catastrophic health spending: experience in Thailand after universal coverage

Health Aff (Millwood). 2009 May-Jun;28(3):w467-78. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.w467. Epub 2009 Mar 31.

Abstract

The impact of the universal coverage policy implementation in Thailand is demonstrated by the declining incidence of catastrophic health spending among Thai households-particularly among the poor. The households who remain at risk of catastrophe, as defined here, are better-off households, because of their preference for using private facilities. Others with increased likelihood of incurring catastrophic health expenditures are households with a greater proportion of elderly members, those having a member with a chronic illness or disability, and those having a member who experienced hospitalization. These determinants should prompt policy concerns to protect such households from financial catastrophe.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catastrophic Illness / economics*
  • Cost Sharing
  • Developing Countries*
  • Financing, Personal / economics*
  • Health Care Reform / economics*
  • Health Expenditures / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Policy / economics*
  • Health Services / economics
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Major Medical / economics
  • Referral and Consultation / economics
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Sharing, Financial
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Thailand
  • Uncompensated Care / economics
  • Universal Health Insurance / economics*