Universität zu Köln

Pendzialek, Jonas B., Simic, Dusan and Stock, Stephanie (2016). Differences in price elasticities of demand for health insurance: a systematic review. Eur. J. Health Econ., 17 (1). S. 5 - 22. NEW YORK: SPRINGER. ISSN 1618-7601

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Abstract

Many health insurance systems apply managed competition principles to control costs and quality of health care. Besides other factors, managed competition relies on a sufficient price-elastic demand. This paper presents a systematic review of empirical studies on price elasticity of demand for health insurance. The objective was to identify the differing international ranges of price elasticity and to find socio-economic as well as setting-oriented factors that influence price elasticity. Relevant literature for the topic was identified through a two-step identification process including a systematic search in appropriate databases and further searches within the references of the results. A total of 45 studies from countries such as the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland were found. Clear differences in price elasticity by countries were identified. While empirical studies showed a range between -0.2 and -1.0 for optional primary health insurance in the US, higher price elasticities between -0.6 and -4.2 for Germany and around -2 for Switzerland were calculated for mandatory primary health insurance. Dutch studies found price elasticities below -0.5. In consideration of all relevant studies, age and poorer health status were identified to decrease price elasticity. Other socio-economic factors had an unclear impact or too limited evidence. Premium level, range of premiums, homogeneity of benefits/coverage and degree of forced decision were found to have a major influence on price elasticity in their settings. Further influence was found from supplementary insurance and premium-dependent employer contribution.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Pendzialek, Jonas B. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Simic, Dusan UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Stock, Stephanie UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-292630
DOI:	10.1007/s10198-014-0650-0
Journal or Publication Title:	Eur. J. Health Econ.
Volume:	17
Number:	1
Page Range:	S. 5 - 22
Date:	2016
Publisher:	SPRINGER
Place of Publication:	NEW YORK
ISSN:	1618-7601
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language PLAN CHOICE; MANAGED COMPETITION; QUALITY INFORMATION; ADVERSE SELECTION; REPORT CARDS; SENSITIVITY; MARKET; PREMIUMS; PROGRAM; WELFARE Multiple languages Economics; Health Policy & Services Multiple languages
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/29263