Policy Implications for Low-to-Middle Income (LMICs) Countries Considering Universal Coverage: Lessons from OECD Countries

Abstract

The restructuring of health financing policy in most countries has been intensified following the World Health Assembly Resolution in 2005 by Member States to introduce or strengthen universal coverage policy. The goals of universal coverage are: to offer households financial risk protection (FRP) in order to avoid catastrophic spending and impoverishment from seeking care; to ensure equal access to health care based on relative need irrespective of ability to make health payments, social status and geographical location. This is achievable through increased prepayment of health care through general tax revenue and social health insurance, two health financing mechanism that guarantee universal coverage. Given their long experience as universal systems, OECD countries provide valuable lessons to low-to-middle income (LMICs) countries considering the introduction of universal coverage policy. The policy implications for LMICs from the OECD countries given their long experience as universal systems are fundamental in informing the policy process.