Publication: Health Insurance for the Informal Sector in Africa : Design Features, Risk Protection, and Resource Mobilization
Date
2001-09
ISSN
Published
2001-09
Author(s)
Arhin-Tenkorang, Dyna
Abstract
Studies and literature reviews of health
insurance schemes targeting rural or informal sector
populations in developing countries (often called
"community insurance schemes") frequently conclude
that schemes have design weaknesses, yet do not explore in
detail the effect of design features on performance. This
paper presents a conceptualization of how performance in the
areas of risk protection and resource mobilization is
determined by the interaction of design features with
institutional and technical factors. Design features refer
to scheme specifications (e.g., required contribution) and
to operating modalities (e.g., procedures for enrolment or
obtaining benefits. Performance, with respect to risk
protection and resource mobilization, of several potential
"high population schemes" for the informal sector
in Africa, is assessed. The outcome suggests that the design
of community health insurance schemes may be improved by:
(1) design specifications that utilize data on willingness
to pay (WTP) of the target population and projected health
care costs; and (2) incorporating modalities of operations
that facilitate cost-effective exchange between a formal
organization and individuals acting in an informal environment.
Citation
“Arhin-Tenkorang, Dyna. 2001. Health Insurance for the Informal Sector in Africa : Design Features, Risk Protection, and Resource Mobilization. HNP discussion paper series;. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/8ae5c4fd-c596-53f0-83b1-062d0d420df9 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”