Equity during an economic crisis: financing of the Argentine health system.
This article analyses the redistributive effect caused by health financing and the distribution of healthcare utilization in Argentina before and during the severe 2001/2002 economic crisis. Both dramatically changed during this period: the redistributive effect became much more positive and utilization shifted from pro-poor to pro-rich. This clearly demonstrates that when utilization is contingent on financing, changes can occur rapidly; and that an integrated approach is required when monitoring equity. From a policy perspective, the Argentine health system appears vulnerable to economic downturns mainly due to high reliance on out-of-pocket payments and the strong link between health insurance and employment.
Cavagnero
Eleonora
E
World Health Organization, Department of Health Systems Financing, Geneva, Switzerland. eleonoracavagnero@gmail.com
Bilger
Marcel
M
D001118:Argentina; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D057172:Economic Recession; D004651:Employment; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005382:Financing, Personal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007348:Insurance, Health