This study aims to evaluate the effects of transitioning from an outpatient copayment system to a coinsurance system in 2007 on outpatient healthcare utilization and expenditures in South Korea.
Results indicate a significant rise in outpatient healthcare utilization following the policy change, coupled with a decrease in medical expenditures per visit. The shift encouraged beneficiaries to seek more medical treatments and opt for supplementary private health insurance. These findings underscore the need to meticulously consider the unintended ramifications of policy interventions in the healthcare sector.