Out-of-pocket payments on health in Poland: Size, tendency and willingness to pay

Stanisława Golinowska () and Marzena Tambor
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Stanisława Golinowska: Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum Department of Health Economics and Social Security, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences Kraków Poland.
Marzena Tambor: Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum Department of Health Economics and Social Security, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences Kraków Poland.

Society and Economy, 2012, vol. 34, issue 2, 253-271

Abstract: In Poland, the low level of health care financing from public funds is becoming increasingly voiced and accepted as an argument not only for increasing health insurance contributions, but also for extending the scope of private funding. The objective of this paper is to analyze the level and structure of out-of-pocket expenditure in Poland as well as health care consumer characteristics influencing payments for health care and willingness to pay. The analysis relies on two main sources of micro data: the household budget surveys of the Central Statistical Office of Poland and a representative survey carried out in Poland in 2010. The results indicate that in the structure of out-of-pocket expenditure, spending on pharmaceuticals dominates (up to 80% of total out-of-pocket expenditure on health). The out-of-pocket expenditure on services most often refers to paying for out-patient specialists’ services, rehabilitation services and dental care, often in the private sector. Out-of-pocket expenditures are highest among population groups with high health needs (elderly, disabled, chronically ill) but also among individuals with high income. Polish consumers do not object to co-payments for health services with good quality and quick access. Greater stated willingness to pay characterizes younger people, those with higher income and better health.

Keywords: out-of-pocket payment; informal patient payments; willingness to pay; Poland (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I11 I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
Note: The study is financed by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme, Theme 8 Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities, Project ASSPRO CEE 2007 (Grant Agreement no. 217431). The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission or its services.
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