Health Insurance Access for People with Disabilities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Azizatunnisa’ Luthfi, Kuper Hannah, Banks Lena Morgon
Primary Institution: International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
Hypothesis
What is the association between health insurance access and healthcare utilization, health status, and financial protection for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries?
Conclusion
Health insurance coverage among people with disabilities is generally low, and while it may improve access to disability-related healthcare, its impact on general healthcare utilization and financial protection remains inconclusive.
Supporting Evidence
- Over two-thirds of the studies focused on access/coverage, which was generally limited among people with disabilities.
- Seventeen studies found a positive association between health insurance and the use of disability-related services.
- Only four studies reported on health status, suggesting a favorable association of health insurance with self-reported health.
Takeaway
People with disabilities often struggle to get health insurance, which can help them get the care they need, but many still face challenges even when they have insurance.
Methodology
This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and included quantitative studies from nine databases, focusing on health insurance coverage and its effects on healthcare utilization, financial protection, and health status among people with disabilities.
Potential Biases
Many studies had a medium to high risk of bias due to issues like convenience sampling and lack of control for confounding factors.
Limitations
The review primarily included studies from upper-middle-income countries, with a lack of representation from low-income countries, and most studies were cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
The studies included participants from various low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on individuals with disabilities, including those with physical, mental, and sensory impairments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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