Institutional Financing of Catastrophic Health Expenditures

• Published in: Journal of Philippine development Vol. 40; no. 1/2; p. 67
• Main Author: Caballes, Alvin B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Makati City Philippine Institute for Development Studies 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Dengue fever; Focus groups; Government agencies; Health care expenditures; Health expenditure; Health insurance; Health services; Households; Impoverishment; Intensive care; Patients; Poverty; Social workers; Studies
• ISSN: 2508-0954; 0115-9143

Patients' financial protection is considered a key component of health systems and has been a consistent policy goal of the Department of Health (DOH). Of paramount importance are catastrophic health expenditures, which can severely restrict affected patients and families' access to much-needed services, contribute to (further) impoverishment, or both. This study was undertaken to determine the institutional mechanisms for addressing these expenditures and to develop a framework to improve the existing arrangements. Focus group discussions were held separately with patients (or family members), providers (clinical and support staff), and representatives of policy or financing agencies. Patient participation was meant to bring out a range of clinical situations. Agency representatives came from the DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corp, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, private advocacy and philanthropic organizations, and Congress. Follow-up consultations were held with the concerned agencies for validation purposes.