Showing 2 results for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
N Hassan Nejad,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Abstract:
Background: Today one of the main problems low or middle income families face is financing healthcare costs. This article studies the methods of of financing health care costs among hospitalized diabetic patients in different types of insurances.
Materials & Methods: This is a causal-comparative study. The variables consist of comparative (health care costs) and categorical(different insurance types including: Iran health insurance , social security and others) variables. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect needed data . The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA , Duncan`s statistical test test of Danken and T-test.
Results: The results indicated a significant statistical differences between all types of insurance assessed by cost variables. Also the significant differences between patient`s out of pocket expenses ratio of direct costs (p<0.01،F=19.37) and their ratio of total costs (F=25.36, p<0.01) were detected in three types of insurances . Patient`s out of pocket of total cost was 59.55%, 50.34% and 32% in Iran health insurance, social security and other types respectively.
Conclusion: In spite of all invested deal of efforts to improve health indices and health care services availability ,health care system is still faces main challenges of providing financial resources and protecting against financial burden on families . Developing a public health insurance and improving health insurance coverage would be helpful for providing financial resources of health care system.
Ehsan Ameri,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (8-2024)
Abstract
Background and purpose: As part of Iran’s Health System Transformation Plan (HSTP), the first service package aimed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalized patients in hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the policy in reducing patient payments at teaching hospitals under Golestan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. A total of 384 participants—including healthcare workers, medical staff, and physicians—were randomly selected from teaching hospitals affiliated with Golestan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a 35-item researcher-designed questionnaire, validated by experts, with a Cronbach's alpha reliability score of 0.83. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, and a one-sample t-test.
Results: Indicate a gap of -0.11 between the current situation and the desired outcome of the HSTP’s first axis (reducing patient payments). Analysis using the gap analysis matrix revealed that the primary shortcoming is in regulatory oversight.
Conclusion: While the Health System Transformation Plan has successfully reduced out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalized patients, it has not fully met the program’s intended financial relief targets. Further policy adjustments are required, particularly in expanding universal insurance coverage and ensuring adequate financial resource allocation to improve accessibility and affordability for patients.