The prevalence of health insurance in a Jamaica suburb and its correlations with service utilisation

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of health insurance in a low-income Jamaican community was determined from a systematic sample of 103 households. A household prevalence for health insurance of 32 pro cent was found. Differentials in health service utilisation were more striking for private preactitoner services where the highest correlations with coverage was found (r=0.346, p < 0.001). A negative correlation (r=-036, N.S. with local health centre utilisaion was obtained. For every 100 people attending a private facility, 33 had health insurance coverage. The level of health insurance coverage in the community and its impact on service utilisation would suggest the possibility of harsh economies in the health sector, forcing consumers in low-income groups to seek a buffer for the expenses incurred from needs unmet by the public services. Part of this favourable prevalence of health insurance may also be due to job-related coverage