This paper offers an empirical assessment of the determinants of healthcare demand in Italy for a detailed range of services. Our approach relies on the literature using two-part models to study healthcare demand. An econometric hurdle model is applied to study the demand for healthcare, providing insight into how relevant socio-economic variables are in determining both the decision to contact and how frequently to use a service, and the choice between public and the private providers. An innovative dataset is built to perform the empirical analysis matching a large-scale survey with other microdata to generate information about the potential individual purchasing capacity and verify any income effects on healthcare demand. Evidence shows that, all in all, the most important determinants of healthcare utilization appear to be variables approximating the need for these services. However, a correlation with individual economic indicators exists for some specific services. Having higher economic resources the patient may access the private health care market where out of pocket payments are needed while publicly provided care is not affected by economic status. Some accessibility problems seem to arise for persons who have fewer alternatives in the private market – with lower income, less educated, not privately insured – and living in the Southern part of the country.

Is Health Care demand rationed by income and other determinants? An empirical assessment for Italy / R.Bardazzi. - In: STUDI ECONOMICI. - ISSN 0039-2928. - STAMPA. - fascicolo 97:(2009), pp. 111-143.

Is Health Care demand rationed by income and other determinants? An empirical assessment for Italy

BARDAZZI, ROSSELLA
2009

Abstract

This paper offers an empirical assessment of the determinants of healthcare demand in Italy for a detailed range of services. Our approach relies on the literature using two-part models to study healthcare demand. An econometric hurdle model is applied to study the demand for healthcare, providing insight into how relevant socio-economic variables are in determining both the decision to contact and how frequently to use a service, and the choice between public and the private providers. An innovative dataset is built to perform the empirical analysis matching a large-scale survey with other microdata to generate information about the potential individual purchasing capacity and verify any income effects on healthcare demand. Evidence shows that, all in all, the most important determinants of healthcare utilization appear to be variables approximating the need for these services. However, a correlation with individual economic indicators exists for some specific services. Having higher economic resources the patient may access the private health care market where out of pocket payments are needed while publicly provided care is not affected by economic status. Some accessibility problems seem to arise for persons who have fewer alternatives in the private market – with lower income, less educated, not privately insured – and living in the Southern part of the country.
2009
fascicolo 97
111
143
R.Bardazzi
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/365225
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