In Depth Understanding On Values And Issues Related To Health Insurance Among Breast Cancer Survivors In Low And Middle Income Setting With Universal Health Coverage

Download or read book In Depth Understanding On Values And Issues Related To Health Insurance Among Breast Cancer Survivors In Low And Middle Income Setting With Universal Health Coverage written by Nanthini Thevi Pathy and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction: Despite Malaysiau2019s stellar achievement of Universal Health Coverage in delivery of primary care services, it is still struggling in provision of cancer care. Health insurance therefore plays an important role in alleviating financial toxicity following cancer. Objectives: We investigated the motivators/barriers to health insurance ownership, value of health insurance, and issues in navigating health insurance among Malaysian breast cancer survivors. Methods: In this qualitative inquiry, 9 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with breast cancer survivors diagnosed within 12-24 months, from Hospital Kuala Lumpur (tertiary government hospital), University Malaya Medical Centre (public academic hospital) and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (private hospital). All FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were examined using thematic content analysis.Results: The major themes for motivators in obtaining private health insurance were u201ca back-up planu201d and u201cexpedited treatmentu201d while themes for barriers were u201chigh premium ratesu201d, u201clow awarenessu201d on health insurance, u201cpresence of comorbiditiesu201d, u201ccompeting financial prioritiesu201d, and u201cbelief in fate and destinyu201d. In terms of value of health insurance, participants mooted that u201cinsurance saved my lifeu201d and u201cprovided a sense of securityu201d. Nonetheless, issues faced in navigating health insurance included u201cslow claim processes due to red tapeu201d, u201ccomplicated policies and hidden clausesu201d, u201cpay first, claim-lateru201d and u201crapid exhaustion of insurance limitsu201d. Conclusions: While health insurance plays an important role in reducing the financial burden faced by breast cancer survivors, this study highlights the need to increase health insurance literacy, improve insurance regulation and revise existing medical coverage plans in low-and middle-income settings.