Changes in Barriers That Cause Unmet Healthcare Needs in the Life Cycle of Adulthood and Their Policy Implications: A Need-Selection Model Analysis of the Korea Health Panel Survey Data

Chung, Woojin

doi:10.3390/healthcare10112243

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 110 publications

(130 reference statements)

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“…This information can be used to develop targeted and effective interventions to improve access to health care services. Even in the context of universal health insurance coverage, unmet needs persist when financial or non-financial barriers prevent individuals from seeking necessary health care [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inequalities in unmet health care needs under universal health insurance coverage in China

Wu,

Yang,

Sun

et al. 2024

Health Econ Rev

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Background Expanding health insurance is a critical step towards universal health coverage due to its positive effect on reducing unmet health care needs and enhancing equitable access to health care. Despite previous studies on the socioeconomic factors associated with unmet health care needs, few studies have analysed the inequalities in such needs and the impact of universal health insurance coverage on addressing them. This study aimed to measure the contribution of social health insurance (SHI) coverage to inequalities in financially and non-financially constrained unmet health care needs among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. Methods The study data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2015). A total of 11,592 respondents reporting outpatient care needs and 6320 reporting inpatient care needs were included. The concentration index (CI) was employed to measure the extent of income-related inequalities in unmet health care needs. A decomposition method based on a probit model was used to investigate the contribution of SHI to the inequalities. Results The incidence rates of unmet outpatient needs due to financial and non-financial constraints were 4.68% and 24.78%, respectively; these rates were 18.69% and 15.73% for unmet inpatient needs. The CIs of unmet outpatient needs due to financial and non-financial constraints were − 0.1872 and 0.0195, respectively; these values were − 0.1558 and 0.0352 for unmet inpatient needs. The percentages of the contribution of SHI to the CIs of financially constrained unmet outpatient and inpatient needs were 0.2639% and 1.8898%, respectively. Moreover, the percentages of the contribution of SHI to the CIs of non-financially constrained unmet outpatient and inpatient needs were − 0.4513% and − 6.4192%, respectively. Conclusion The universal coverage of SHI in China increased pro-poor inequalities in financially constrained unmet health care needs but decreased pro-rich inequalities in non-financially constrained unmet needs. Additionally, the contribution of SHI to inequalities in financially constrained unmet needs for inpatient care was stronger than that for outpatient care. Policy-makers are advised to introduce favourable reimbursement policies for patients with poor socioeconomic conditions and address both financial and non-financial barriers to promote equitable access to health care for the entire population.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inequalities in unmet health care needs under universal health insurance coverage in China

Wu,

Yang,

Sun

et al. 2024

Health Econ Rev

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“…This is because UHN can identify barriers to healthcare access that might not be determined by other measures from the healthcare services supply side, such as the presence of healthcare facilities, outpatient visits, and hospital admission rates (Chen & Hou, 2002;Jung & Ha, 2021;Meemon & Paek, 2019;Mitrašević et al, 2020;Sanmartin et al, 2002). Past research has shown that UHN can arise from factors related to the healthcare system, including the availability and quality of services provided by healthcare facilities (Chung, 2022;Hwang, 2018;Marrone, 2007), as well as from population characteristics, such as socioeconomic and demographic status (Åhs et al, 2012;Allin et al, 2010;Bryant et al, 2009;Lee et al, 2015;Stevens & Gillam, 1998).…”

Section: Unmet Healthcare Needsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unmet Healthcare Needs and Their Determining Factors: Addressing Inequalities in Access to Healthcare in Myanmar

Tinn,

Paek,

Meemon

2024

JPSS

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Myanmar aims to achieve universal health coverage by 2030 through the 2017–2021 National Health Plan while providing nearly cost-free healthcare services at public facilities. Nonetheless, concerns regarding healthcare access persist. This study examined healthcare access in Myanmar by identifying the prevalence, determinants, and reasons behind unmet healthcare needs (UHN), which occur when an individual needs healthcare but cannot access it. Descriptive statistical analysis and binary logistic regression were employed using data obtained from 318 residents of Tat Kon Township, Nay Pyi Taw. Among the participants, 23.6% experienced UHN. Specifically, individuals with low income, daily-waged workers, rural residents, younger individuals, and females reported high UHN. The primary reason was the unavailability of healthcare facilities (46.7%), followed by competing personal priorities (19%) and treatment or transportation costs (14%). The government could consider expanding public healthcare infrastructure and implementing a nationwide health insurance system. Continuing the geographic expansion of health services to address the needs of rural residents and extending service hours to accommodate individuals engaged in daily-waged or full-time employment are recommended. These efforts could be complemented by improving public transportation infrastructure, promoting income security, and supporting gender equity to facilitate access to healthcare services.

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Differential Probability in Unmet Healthcare Needs Among Migrants in Four European Countries

Fares

Domínguez

Puig‐Junoy

2023

Int. Migration & Integration

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Migrants and refugees try to reach Europe to seek protection and a better life. The responsiveness and stewardship of the European countries health system have an impact on the ability to access healthcare. This study aims to investigate the differential probability of healthcare unmet needs among migrants living in four European countries. We used a 2019 cross-sectional data from the European Union Income and Living Conditions survey. We performed a two-stage probit model with sample selection, first to identify the respondents with need for care, then those who need it but have not received it. We analysed reasons for unmet needs through accessibility, availability and acceptability. We then performed country studies assessing the national health systems, financing mechanisms and migration policies. Bringing together data on financial hardship and unmet needs reveals that migrants living in Europe have a higher risk of facing unmet healthcare needs compared to native citizens, and affordability of care remains a substantial barrier. Our results showed the country heterogeneity in the differential migrants’ unmet needs according to the place where they live, and this disparity seems attributed to the health system and policies applied. Given the diversity of socioeconomic conditions throughout the European countries, the health of migrants depends to a large degree on the integration and health policies in place. We believe that EU policies should apply further efforts to respect core health and protection ethics and to acknowledge, among others, principles of ‘do-no-harm’, equity and the right to health.

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Changes in Barriers That Cause Unmet Healthcare Needs in the Life Cycle of Adulthood and Their Policy Implications: A Need-Selection Model Analysis of the Korea Health Panel Survey Data

Cited by 4 publications

References 110 publications

Inequalities in unmet health care needs under universal health insurance coverage in China

Inequalities in unmet health care needs under universal health insurance coverage in China

Unmet Healthcare Needs and Their Determining Factors: Addressing Inequalities in Access to Healthcare in Myanmar

Differential Probability in Unmet Healthcare Needs Among Migrants in Four European Countries

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