Which Households Are At Risk Of Catastrophic Health Spending: Experience In Thailand After Universal Coverage

The impact of the universal coverage policy implementation in Thailand is demonstrated by the declining incidence of catastrophic health spending among Thai households-particularly among the poor. The households who remain at risk of catastrophe, as defined here, are better-off households, because of their preference for using private facilities. Others with increased likelihood of incurring catastrophic health expenditures are households with a greater proportion of elderly members, those having a member with a chronic illness or disability, and those having a member who experienced hospitalization. These determinants should prompt policy concerns to protect such households from financial catastrophe. [Health Affairs 28, no. 3 (2009): w467-w478 (published online 31 March 2009; 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.w467)]