title: Horizontal inequity in health care utilization in Japan.
abstract: International comparisons of horizontal inequity in health has recently become one of the most pertinent issues in health economics. However, no previous studies have been undertaken on Japan. This omission is rectified in this paper. Moreover, we consider the dynamics of horizontal inequity in health over six years from 1992 to 1998. These dynamics have never been considered in this field. In a rigorous international comparison, though we cannot find any horizontal inequity in health in 1998, we find pro-rich inequity before 1995. The reason for this may be the reform of the health insurance system in 1997.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Social and Economic Research, Osaka University 6-1 Mihogaoka Ibaraki Osaka, Japan. ohkusa@iser.osaka-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ohkusa
authors.forename: Chika
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Honda
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003669:Deductibles and Coinsurance / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors