[Impact of size of families in Mexico's Popular Health Insurance Program].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the average size of families affiliated with Popular Health Insurance (SPS, abbrev. in Spanish) and identify variables that best predict single-person affiliation.


METHODS
Average sizes of families in the SPS are compared using 2004-2006 enrollment records and other sources. Logistic models are used to identify explanatory variables for affiliation as a single-person family.


RESULTS
SPS families on average are composed of one member less in comparison with other sources. The logistic models indicate that the more recent the affiliation year the more probable is affiliation as a single-person family.


CONCLUSIONS
The smaller number of family members implies an over-financing by the SPS. It is recommended to change the unit of financing to the individual to help the operational and financial sustainability of the SPS over the mid- to long-term.
Pérez-Salvador
José Enrique
JE
Unidad de Análisis Económico, Secretaría de Salud, México.
Gutiérrez-Delgado
Cristina
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult