Health Policy
Volume 88, Issue 2-3, 2008, Pages 371-380

The influence of health insurance towards accessing essential medicines: The experience from Shenzhen labor health insurance (Article)

Zhu M. , Dib H.H. , Zhang X.* , Tang S. , Liu L.
  • a Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
  • b Peking University Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Health Policy and Management Department, No. 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian Dist., Beijing, 100083, China
  • c Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
  • d Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
  • e Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China, The Ministry of Health, No. 1 Xizhimen Wai South Road, W. Dist., Beijing, 100044, China

Abstract

Objectives: Due to major problems of accessing essential medicines, this paper will evaluate the impact of the new Shenzhen labor health insurance on accessing essential medicines among migrant workers. Methods: Medicines data and revenues-expenditures reports from 19 community health service centers in Shenzhen city were collected. Insurance indicators within two periods before and after 1st June 2006 were compared. Paired t-tests using month-values of indicators were performed. P value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The proportion of EMs in Medicine List of Shenzhen Labor health insurance is 88.5%. For each period, percentage costs of EM procured (Peem) was 43.1% and increased to 46.1%; costs of medicines per outpatient visit (Empv) was 24.94 RMB and decreased to 22.20 RMB; percentage costs of medicine per outpatient visit (Pe) were 49.1% and decreased to 45.9%; number of outpatient visits (Nov) was 428,328 and increased to 490,305. Values of t for differences in Peem, Empv, Pe and Nov between the two periods were -1.125 (P = 0.285), 3.096 (P = 0.010), 1.458 (P = 0.173) and -2.069 (P = 0.063), respectively. Conclusions: Shenzhen labor health insurance had improved accessibility to EMs for migrant workers, and ensured for them basic health services. Popularization of this insurance will benefit more people. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Health insurance Shenzhen Essential medicines Public health Outpatient medicine expense

Index Keywords

China Databases as Topic Student t test Community Health Services Drugs, Essential health insurance reimbursement health service cefradine ceftezole cefoperazone Insurance, Health health care cost Humans lomefloxacin Roxithromycin ceftriaxone Article Transients and Migrants levofloxacin clindamycin Health Services Accessibility
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-56949101964&doi=10.1016%2fj.healthpol.2008.04.008&partnerID=40&md5=9626119d96e0c9ca96a0c29a73d7ffae
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2008.04.008
ISSN: 01688510
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English