How to Create a Public Health Insurance Plan: Lessons from States in USA
Health coverage rates in the U.S. have reached a record high since the Affordable Care Act was enacted, yet many insured individuals still struggle with high healthcare costs, particularly among marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Surveys indicate that a...
Analysis the status and spatio-temporal characteristics of the synergistic development of China’s multi-level medical insurance system
The study examines the development and spatio-temporal evolution of China's multi-level medical insurance system (MMIS) from 2011 to 2020, highlighting improvements in the coupling coordination index (CCI) which rose from a moderate disorder to a well-coordinated...
Egypt on right track to build universal health insurance system to its people
The French Development Agency (AFD) has applauded Egypt's progress in its universal health insurance system, which now serves nearly 5 million beneficiaries across six governorates, highlighting significant improvements in care quality and healthcare governance. Since...
Health insurance type, healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket expenditure in the face of COVID-19: Evidence from Thai national survey data
This study investigates whether the type of public health insurance affects outpatient healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket expenditure in Thailand before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest that health insurance type primarily affects provider...
Health Board contributes to the reform of the CSS organic law
In October 2024 in Panama, the health roundtable presented its summary of proposals for the reform of the organic law of the Social Security Fund. This same law was sanctioned on March 18, 2025. In Panama, a consultation process has been carried out to inform the...
Austrian Medical Chamber Unveils Ten-Point Plan for ÖGK Reform
The Austrian Medical Chamber has proposed a ten-point reform plan to address the ÖGK’s significant financial challenges, emphasizing the need to improve healthcare services rather than cutting them, as projected deficits exceed one billion euros. The Austrian Medical...
The rising income gradient in life expectancy in Sweden over six decades
This study investigates the relationship between income and life expectancy in Sweden from 1960 to 2021, revealing a widening gap in life expectancy between different income levels. The disparity increased significantly, with men’s life expectancy gap growing from 3.5...
Analysing global immunisation expenditure
The Office of Health Economics (OHE) published the research paper "Analysing Global Immunisation Expenditure" on April 15, 2025. This comprehensive study examines immunisation spending trends from 2016 to 2022 across ten countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France,...
Pakistan proposes 20% health tax on ultra-processed foods, beverages in FY2025-26 budget
Pakistan's Ministry of Health has proposed a 20% health tax on processed and ultra-processed food and beverages as part of a public health strategy to reduce unhealthy consumption and generate revenue for healthcare spending. Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has proposed...
Consumer choice and control within a highly regulated, market-based system in Australia
Australia’s long-term care system operates within a tightly regulated, market-based framework that emphasises consumer choice and control. In this country report, published by the WHO Centre for Health Development, authors Sarah Wise, Michael Woods, and Kees van Gool...
Poland’s Sejm Passes Bill To Lower Health Insurance Contributions
On April 4, 2025, the Sejm passed a bill to reduce health insurance contributions for approximately 2.5 million entrepreneurs in Poland, introducing a two-tier system that adjusts fees based on income levels. While the reform is expected to provide financial relief...
Australia’s health system in need of genuine reforms
Australia's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including financial barriers to accessing care, inadequate support for chronic conditions, and underfunded mental health and dental services. Urgent reforms are needed to ensure the system can effectively...
Taking stock of development assistance for health (DAH) in the 21st Century: Renewing our commitment
Over the past three decades, the world has made significant progress in improving population health, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Reductions in infant mortality and the disease burden among young children reflect both socioeconomic...
Government purchase of private health services in the Eastern Mediterranean region: opportunities and challenges for stewarding towards a universal health coverage focus
As countries across the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) increasingly rely on private providers to deliver health services, governments face growing pressure to ensure these purchasing arrangements align with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals. This article,...
A retrospective study of insurance coverage status and economic cost of rare diseases in Hainan Province
Rare diseases in Hainan Province pose a significant economic burden, with a rising prevalence and limited data available. A study from 2019 to 2023 found that 83.01% of the 4,975 diagnosed patients were insured, yet total economic costs escalated from 34.26 million...