Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) is a public health insurance scheme that covers more than 70 percent of the Thai population and is funded through tax revenue. This study examined access to health care among Thai population under the UCS before and during COVID-19 pandemic by analysing the healthcare utilization data for both outpatients and inpatients between 2019 and 2021. In addition, the study also explored out-of-pocket payment from seeking health services not covered by the UCS. The findings highlighted that access to health care among the UCS beneficiaries was not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and they were financially protected from out-of-pocket payment. The concern raised by the study was UCS beneficiaries who seek care outside the UCS system.
Utilisation, out-of-pocket payments, and access before and after COVID-19 in Thailand
Reference
Kannika Damrongplasit and Glenn Melnick, Utilisation, out-of-pocket payments and access before and after COVID-19: Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage Scheme, BMJ Global Health, 25 Apr 2024
Published On
16 Aug 2024
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Kannika Damrongplasit and Glenn Melnick, Utilisation, out-of-pocket payments and access before and after COVID-19: Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage Scheme, BMJ Global Health, 25 Apr 2024