Time spent on waiting lists for medical care: an insurance approach.
In this paper, we develop a simple model of the benefits and costs of being on a waiting list. The model shows that complex factors are in operation, implying that a shorter waiting time need not necessarily be preferred to a longer waiting time. We also present an empirical study, where a sample of Swedes are offered the possibility of purchasing private insurance, thus reducing waiting time for surgery beyond the three-month guarantee offered by the public sector health care system. Respondents could choose between two insurance contracts. A 'spike' model, where the probability of a zero WTP is strictly positive, was developed and estimated to obtain demand functions for private insurance.
Johannesson
M
M
Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden. hepoj@hhs.se
Johansson
P O
PO
Söderqvist
T
T
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D007359:Insurance, Surgical; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013222:State Medicine / Q000191:economics; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000191:economics*; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists