Challenges and Solutions in Constructing a Microsimulation Model of the Use and Costs of Medical Services in Australia

Sharyn Lymer, Laurie Brown (), Ann Harding and Alicia Payne ()
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Laurie Brown: NATSEM, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2601, Australia
Alicia Payne: Department of Treasury, Langton Crescent, Parkes Act 2600, Australia

International Journal of Microsimulation, 2011, vol. 4, issue 3, 17-31

Abstract: This paper describes the development of a microsimulation model =HealthMod which simulates the use and costs of medical and related services by Australian families. Australia has a universal social insurance scheme known as =Medicare which provides all Australians with access to free or low-cost essential medical services. These services are provided primarily by general practitioners as well as specialist doctors but also include diagnostic and imaging services. Individuals may pay a direct out-of pocket contribution if fees charged for services are higher than the reimbursement schedule set by government. HealthMod is based on the Australian 2001 National Health Survey. This survey had a number of deficiencies in terms of modelling the national medical benefits scheme. The article outlines three major methodological steps that had to be taken in the model construction: the imputation of synthetic families, the imputation of short-term health conditions, and the annualisation of doctor visits and costs. Some preliminary results on the use of doctor services subsidised through Australias Medicare are presented.

Keywords: Economic microsimulation modelling; medical services; use and costs; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ijm:journl:v:4:y:2011:i:3:p:17-31

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