Work

Crowding out of solidarity? Public health insurance versus informal transfer networks in Ghana

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: This paper delivers empirical evidence on how transfers that serve as an informal insurance mechanism are affected by a formal and country-wide health insurance scheme. Using the fifth and fourth waves of the Ghanaian Living Standard Household Survey, we investigate the extent to which the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme affects health-related outcomes and making or receiving informal transfers. Our findings suggest that there is a reduction of out-of-pocket expenditures for health services and a significant crowding out of informal transfers. We conclude that the provision of formal health insurance does not only relieve ill individuals from out-of-pocket expenditures, but also their network partners from making informal transfers.

Source: World Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.11.004

Authors: Christoph Strupat, Florian Klohn

Institution: German Institute of Development and Sustainability

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Systems and Reforms

Subfield: Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,895