The inability to pay for health services in Central and Eastern Europe: evidence from six countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Out-of-pocket payments for health services constitute a major financial burden for patients in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Individuals who are unable to pay use different coping strategies (e.g. borrowing money or foregoing service utilization), which can have negative consequences on their health and social welfare. This article explores patients' inability to pay for outpatient and hospital services in six CEE countries: Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Ukraine.

Methods

The analysis is based on quantitative data collected in 2010 in nationally representative surveys. Two indicators of inability to pay were considered: the need to borrow money or sell assets and foregoing service utilization. Statistical analyses were applied to

SUBMITTER: Tambor M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4032479 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature