Publication: Costa Rica Case Study : Primary Health Care Achievements and Challenges within the Framework of the Social Health Insurance

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Date
2013-01
ISSN
Published
2013-01
Author(s)
Montenegro Torres, Fernando
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to assess the key interventions Costa Rica has developed to expand health coverage for the poor and other vulnerable groups, with an emphasis on its approach to primary health care. Universal health coverage in Costa Rica is provided through a single national health insurance program. This program, which protects the poor without the pitfalls of a fragmented system, and the sustained policies that have enabled the building of a solid primary health care system, is broadly recognized as a success story. At the same, time new challenges are emerging to sustaining the success of Costa Rica's universal health coverage. Social Security of Costa Rica (Caja Costarricense de Seguridad Social, CCSS) faces increased production costs and demographic and epidemiological changes in a rapidly aging population. This report is divided into three broad sections: (1) objective of the case study and health system overview; (2) primary health care and the organization of health services within CCSS; and (3) agenda of key policy decisions for a renewed primary health care approach as part of a more responsive and sustainable health insurance system.
Citation
Montenegro Torres, Fernando. 2013. Costa Rica Case Study : Primary Health Care Achievements and Challenges within the Framework of the Social Health Insurance; Costa Rica- Logros y dificultades de la atención primaria de salud dentro del marco del seguro social de salud - Serie de estudios ÚNICO. UNICO Studies Series;No. 14. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/1671a77f-2be6-57b1-b219-bd24f8448381 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
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