Insurance Benefits Research Articles

Analyzing arguments on tobacco tax increases. Focus on French parliamentary questions and responses, 2000-2020.

Tax increases are the most effective but still the least-used tobacco control measure. The tobacco industry (TI) employs lobbying strategies to oppose the implementation of tax policies on its products. Over the past two decades, French tobacco tax policies have been characterized by a relative inconsistency. This research aims to understand why, by analyzing the arguments of French policymakers (MPs and government) between 2000 and 2020 in favor or against tax increases. To capture parliamentary debates, we performed an advanced term search on the French National Assembly website, using the keyword 'tobacco'. The search returned 5126 available documents out of which 1106 (12.6%, 645 questions, 461 responses) covered price and taxation and were included. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis (NVivo) and were compared, when relevant, to arguments raised in the international literature on TI lobbying against taxation increases. We found 3176 arguments on tobacco taxation: 77.2% were against tobacco tax increases and 22.7% were in favor of tax policies. Arguments varied depending on the source: 92.4% of MPs' arguments were against tax increases, while 52.1% of arguments from government responses were in favor. The anti-tax arguments were similar to those identified in the international literature that singled out negative economic and social consequences (illicit trade, penalizing tobacconists). Other arguments that were more specific to the French context, highlighted the key economic and social role played by tobacconists in France. Pro-tax arguments highlighted the health, economic and social benefits of tax policies. This is the first French tobacco research on parliamentary documents, although Parliament is a place of direct TI lobbying. It will enable public health actors to better understand the arguments used by the TI in order to counter them in front of MPs, and to better monitor debates in Parliament.

Association between diurnal temperature range and sperm quality: Evidence from a prospective cohort in Central China

Inter-day temperature variability has been reported to be associated with sperm quality in a city-level exposure assessment study. However, studies exploring the impact of temperature variability within a single day on sperm quality at individual level are still lacking. The present study aims to bridge this research gap by analyzing the linear and non-linear associations between diurnal temperature range (DTR) exposure and sperm quality, utilizing data from the Anhui Prospective Assisted Reproduction Cohort. The study included 15,112 males (totaling 28,267 tests) and assessed individual exposure to various environmental factors (residential greenness, ambient particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, relative humidity, ambient temperature, and DTR) during the 0–90 day period before semen analysis. A combination of a linear mixed model, natural cubic splines, and subgroup analysis was employed. Significant “U”-shaped non-linear associations were observed between DTR exposure and total motility, sperm concentration, sperm count, total motile sperm count, and progressive motile sperm count. Lower DTR levels negatively impacted these parameters, whereas higher DTR levels showed a positive effect. Notably, these associations were more pronounced at ambient temperatures below 16.5 °C, while absent in warmer conditions. Sperm quality demonstrates increased sensitivity to DTR exposure in cooler environments. Therefore, implementing effective individual temperature management strategies is crucial for mitigating decreased sperm quality associated with DTR exposure, highlighting the potential benefits of government policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality to enhance overall sperm quality in the general population.

HIV prevalence and awareness among adults presenting for enrolment into a study of people at risk for HIV in Kisumu County, Western Kenya.

Despite declines in new HIV diagnoses both globally and in Kenya, parts of Western Kenya still report high HIV prevalence and incidence. We evaluated HIV prevalence to inform the development of policies for strategic and targeted HIV prevention interventions. Adult participants aged 18-35 years were recruited in Kisumu County and screened for HIV for a prospective HIV incidence cohort. Questionnaires assessed HIV-associated risk behaviors. Participants who tested positive for HIV were disaggregated into groups based on prior knowledge of their HIV status: previously-diagnosed and newly-diagnosed. In separate analyses by prior knowledge, robust Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors potentially associated with a positive HIV test in each group, as compared to participants without HIV. Of 1059 participants tested for HIV, 196 (18.5%) had a positive HIV test. Among PLWH, 78 (39.8%) were newly diagnosed with HIV at screening. After adjusting for other variables, previously-diagnosed HIV was more common among females than males (PR 2.70, 95%CI 1.69-4.28), but there was no observed sex difference in newly-diagnosed HIV prevalence (PR 1.05, 95%CI 0.65-1.69). Previously-diagnosed HIV was also more common among people reporting consistent use of condoms with primary sexual partners as compared to inconsistent condom use (PR 3.19, 95%CI 2.09-4.86), but newly-diagnosed HIV was not associated with such a difference between consistent and inconsistent condom use (PR 0.73, 95%CI 0.25-2.10). Prevalence of newly-diagnosed HIV was high, at approximately 8% of participants, and not statistically different between genders, highlighting the need for improved HIV case finding regardless of sex. The higher prevalence of previously-diagnosed HIV in female participants may reflect higher rates of HIV testing through more encounters with the healthcare system. Higher prevalence of consistent condom use amongst those previously-diagnosed suggests behavioral change to reduce HIV transmission, a potential benefit of policies to facilitate earlier HIV diagnosis.

Equity and Efficiency: An Examination of Indonesia’s Energy Subsidy Policy and Pathways to Inclusive Reform

The Indonesian Government’s substantial investment in energy subsidies, designed to assist poor and vulnerable households, ironically favors the wealthy and exacerbates inequality. This study delves into household-based energy subsidy policies in Indonesia, focusing on their effects on gender and social inclusiveness. By combining qualitative document analysis with micro-level data analysis—typically reserved for social protection programs—and national socioeconomic data, this study reveals significant access gaps to energy subsidies. The findings indicate that the existing policy benefits affluent households, leaving marginalized groups such as female-headed households, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly from low-income families without access to subsidies. This gap stems from the current price-based subsidy approach and the unequal distribution of energy services. The study recommends a fundamental shift from commodity-based subsidy policy to direct household subsidies, removing barriers to access and encouraging more equitable, gender-responsive, and inclusive policies. The benefits of these reforms can optimize subsidy budget allocation, increase targeting accuracy, and encourage pro-poor measures. In addition, this can spur the development of local alternative energy, thereby contributing to a just energy transition in Indonesia.

An Empirical Study on Factors Affecting the Demand of Life Insurance Policies in Colombo District

The life insurance market is a significant factor that affects the growth of an economy in any country. In developed countries, the life insurance market grows at a fast pace and stimulates the economy. However, most developing countries including Sri Lanka show a low growth rate in the life insurance market. This study focused on identifing the factors for the low demand for life insurance policies in the Colombo district. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the two-stage cluster sampling technique was utilized to select a sample size of 384. Based on the analysis result of the logistic regression, it was identified that age, family size, monthly income, awareness about policies, and subjective norms of respondents are significant variables that affect demand for life insurance. Moreover, it was revealed that people whose monthly income was more than Rs 90,000 were four times more likely than people with monthly incomes below Rs. 30,00 to be a life insurance policy holder. Also, it was discovered that people aged 50 years or above were three times more likely than the people of age between 20 and 29 years to be a life insurance policy holder. Furthermore, the study found that the awareness of people especially, among the non-policyholders in the Colombo district regarding life insurance, was at a low level, and a considerable number of responds had an unsatisfactory level of confidence about life insurance companies. Thus, it is necessary to take action to establish trust among the people about the insurance company and their policies. It is suggested that awareness programs about the importance of having life insurance in high-risk situations in the modern world and benefits of the life insurance for ordinary people to increase the demand for life insurance should be made available.

Revitalising Export Orientated SMEs of Sri Lanka with Trade Credit Insurance

Financial losses due to unsettled receivables from commercial debtors, which expose them to enhanced credit risk, pose a serious challenge to the profitability and expansion of export-orientated small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the world over. Trade credit insurance is a specialised insurance product that aims to mitigate credit risk by protecting the account receivables of businesses involved in international trade. However, the adoption of trade credit insurance amongst export-orientated SMES remains strikingly low. The purpose of this paper was to examine the effectiveness of the use of trade credit insurance in raising the profitability levels of export-orientated SMEs, the reasons for its low adoption rate, and strategies to encourage enhanced utilisation of it among SMEs. The quantitative methodology was employed by way of a survey in conducting this study, which included a sample of 345 managers or owners of export-orientated SMEs in Sri Lanka. Descriptive analysis revealed that 20.9% of the respondents were unaware of the existence and benefits of trade credit insurance, and only 63.2% were utilising trade credit insurance. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that SMEs that employed trade credit insurance in mitigating trade credit risk showed significantly higher growth in profitability in comparison to those who did not. Therefore, to revitalise the export-orientated SMEs and enhance their contribution towards the economic prosperity of the country, it is recommended to increase awareness of trade credit insurance among them and strengthen their risk management culture while improving the service quality of service providers.

The economic standing of animals

This article considers how cost-benefit analyses of farm animal policy would be altered if animal interests were to be directly included in the computations. Currently, animals lack standing, their preferences for improved living conditions are not considered in the calculation of costs or benefits of farm policies. While animal welfare receives consideration to the extent that humans value it, human preferences are not fully revealed due to incomplete information and the public good nature of animal welfare. Uncertainty associated with the proper role of farm animal standing in cost-benefit analysis validates the avoidance of policies that would be undesirable if animals possessed standing in cost-benefit analyses.

Tobacco in hotels: A study of smoke exposure and resident risk.

Extended-stay hotels (ESH) are a reliable and accessible housing option for low-income, minoritized renters, who are disproportionately exposed to secondhand and thirdhand cigarette smoke (SHS and THS). This study explores ESH residents' perceptions of their SHS and THS exposure, harms related to this exposure, their willingness to mitigate these harms, and the contextual factors associated with smoking in hotels. Eighty ESH renters from the metropolitan Atlanta region were recruited to complete a survey about the perceived harm and persistence of tobacco smoke, exposure experiences, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions to protect oneself. Eleven of these participants completed semi-structured interviews, during which they discussed their daily SHS and THS exposure at their ESHs in greater detail. Of the survey respondents, 62% reported being bothered by their level of smoke exposure, and 77% said they believed smoke particulates remained in their rooms even after housekeeping cleaned them. Approximately half of survey respondents had attempted to stop smoking in the 3 months prior to the study, and 29 of these individuals were still on their smoking cessation journeys. Most interview participants agreed that SHS and THS exposure exacerbated their existing chronic illnesses and could possibly result in death in the long term. Participants agreed with the benefits of smoke-free policies, but also acknowledged other priorities for ESH living-affordability, safety, and proximity to the workplace-that overshadowed their desires for such policies. Overall, study findings suggest that ESH renters understand the dangers of smoking and SHS/THS and want to decrease their exposure, but the persistence of cultural and contextual factors prevents them from fully engaging with 100% smoke-free policies.

A primer on brand-name prescription drug reimbursement in the United States.

Branded prescription drug reimbursement in the United States is complex and comprises multiple transactions among the parties involved in the drug supply chain, including manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, health care providers, health plans or insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and patients. This primer provides an overview of the parties involved in the reimbursement of brand-name drugs under both the pharmacy and medical benefits of an insurance policy and the flow of products and payments among them. Prescription drug spending in the United States grew from $30 billion in 1980 to $335 billion in 2018, and 80% of spending is on brand-name drugs.1,2 Pharmaceutical spending and drug prices have been the focus of intense debate in recent years, which has brought attention to the complexity of the drug supply chain. This primer provides a high-level overview of the distribution and reimbursement of brand-name drugs (italicized words are defined in the Glossary) used in the outpatient setting and covered by health plans or insurers in the United States. The focus is on the parties involved and the flow of products and payments among them. The purchase of drug products outside of insurance and differences in drug reimbursement between private and public insurers are outside of the scope of this primer.

Regression discontinuity design for the study of health effects of exposures acting early in life.

Regression discontinuity design (RDD) is a quasi-experimental approach to study the causal effect of an exposure on later outcomes by exploiting the discontinuity in the exposure probability at an assignment variable cut-off. With the intent of facilitating the use of RDD in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) research, we describe the main aspects of the study design and review the studies, assignment variables and exposures that have been investigated to identify short- and long-term health effects of early life exposures. We also provide a brief overview of some of the methodological considerations for the RDD identification using an example of a DOHaD study. An increasing number of studies investigating the effects of early life environmental stressors on health outcomes use RDD, mostly in the context of education, social and welfare policies, healthcare organization and insurance, and clinical management. Age and calendar time are the mostly used assignment variables to study the effects of various early life policies and programs, shock events and guidelines. Maternal and newborn characteristics, such as age, birth weight and gestational age are frequently used assignment variables to study the effects of the type of neonatal care, health insurance, and newborn benefits, while socioeconomic measures have been used to study the effects of social and welfare programs. RDD has advantages, including intuitive interpretation, and transparent and simple graphical representation. It provides valid causal estimates if the assumptions, relatively weak compared to other non-experimental study designs, are met. Its use to study health effects of exposures acting early in life has been limited to studies based on registries and administrative databases, while birth cohort data has not been exploited so far using this design. Local causal effect around the cut-off, difficulty in reaching high statistical power compared to other study designs, and the rarity of settings outside of policy and program evaluations hamper the widespread use of RDD in the DOHaD research. Still, the assignment variables' cut-offs for exposures applied in previous studies can be used, if appropriate, in other settings and with additional outcomes to address different research questions.

How Does Potential Unemployment Insurance Benefit Duration Affect Reemployment Timing and Wages?

How Does Potential Unemployment Insurance Benefit Duration Affect Reemployment Timing and Wages?

Determinants of satisfaction with community-based health insurance schemes among beneficiaries with chronic diseases in selected public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter study

Background: Community-based health insurance is a voluntary scheme where community members pool resources to cover healthcare costs. Assessing beneficiary satisfaction with chronic disease management is crucial for the program’s long-term viability. Therefore, this study aimed to assess determinants of satisfaction with community-based health insurance among beneficiaries with chronic diseases in selected public hospitals in the Hararghe Zones of Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 416 chronic disease beneficiaries of community-based health insurance from 30 July to 30 August 2023. Data were collected through a pre-tested and structured face-to-face interview questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and then exported to STATA 17.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of satisfaction with community-based health insurance. Significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 48.10 ± 15.8 years. The study revealed that 55.1% (95% CI: 50.2%–59.8%) of beneficiaries with chronic diseases were satisfied with community-based health insurance. Beneficiaries aged over 55 years (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08–0.91), experiencing delayed community-based health insurance opening times (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17–0.73), preferring hospitals for future services (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.14–14.85), shorter waiting times (<60 min) (AOR = 8.8; 95% CI: 4.39–17.72), availability of drugs (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.30–5.45), availability of laboratory services (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 2.83–10.84), and knowledge of community-based health insurance benefit packages (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.47–5.43) were significant determinants associated with satisfaction to the community-based health insurance service. Conclusion: About half of the community-based health insurance beneficiaries with chronic diseases were satisfied, indicating that a considerable number of them were dissatisfied with the services. The age of the participants, office opening time, waiting times, laboratory services, pharmacy services, and knowledge of community-based health insurance benefit packages were significant determinants of satisfaction with community-based health insurance schemes. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders need to enhance service quality, increase awareness, and address both supply and demand-side factors. These key strategies can lead to higher satisfaction with and ensure the sustainability of community-based health insurance schemes.

Cost-utility analysis of proton beam therapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer in Japan.

Proton beam therapy (PBT) has recently been included in Japan's health insurance benefit package for certain cancer types. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of PBT as a replacement for conventional three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC) that is not covered by social insurance. We estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of PBT as a replacement for 3D-CRT, using clinical evidence from the literature and expert opinions. We used an economic model, decision tree, and Markov model to illustrate the courses followed by patients with LAEC. Effectiveness was estimated as quality-adjusted life years (QALY) using utility weights for the health state. Social insurance fees were calculated as costs. We assumed two base cases depending on the two existing levels of fees for PBT in social insurance: 2,735,000 Japanese yen (US$20,652) or 1,600,000 yen (US$13,913). The stability of the ICER against these assumptions was appraised using sensitivity analysis. The effectiveness of PBT and 3D-CRT was 2.62 and 2.51 QALY, respectively. The estimated ICER was 14,025,268 yen (US$121,958) per QALY for the higher fee level and 7,026,402 yen (US$61,099) for the lower fee level. According to the Japanese threshold for cost-effectiveness of anticancer therapy of 7,500,000 yen (US$65,217) per QALY gain, the inclusion of PBT for LAEC in the benefit package of social insurance is cost-effective if a lower fee is applied. PBT is a cost-effective alternative to 3D-CRT for LAEC and making it available to patients under social insurance could be justifiable.

Comparing Healthcare Service Utilization in Insured vs. Non Insured Households in Rural Atsbi Womberta

Community-based health insurance schemes (CBHI) in Africa are gaining attention due to high healthcare costs in developing nations, affecting 6% of individuals in extreme poverty. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for sustainable health funding schemes to ensure access to health services. Ethiopia faces poor healthcare funding, making it one of the world’s poorest nations. Tigray implemented community-based insurance as a pilot study in 69 rural communities since 2010. The objective of this study was compare differences in healthcare service utilization between community-based health insurance among insured and non-insured households in rural Atsbi-Wemberta district. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach was conducted on 172 households. Data was analyzed using SPSS, and inferential statistics were used to measure factors’ association with outcome variables. A study in Kebelle revealed that the majority of respondents were female-headed, engaged in both insurance schemes, and had higher education levels. Marital status was also significant, with 89% living with their families. The majority were married, with 91.8% insured and 86.0% uninsured. Family size and income were significant factors, with high-salary households less likely to be members of the Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme. The study found that most participants considered themselves intermediate healthcare providers, with limited service due to affordability and segregation. The study suggests increasing healthcare service utilization by introducing Community Benefits Health Insurance (CBHI) to improve access to healthcare and promote good governance. However, the study faces criticism for unfairness and insufficient benefits for non-insured participants. Household were enrolled in CBHI (56.2%) were more probable to use health care service than households who were not enrolled (43.8%) (χ2=21.359, p<0.001). Community Benefits Insurance (CBHI) has increased healthcare utilization among insured households due to reduced illness costs and increased healthcare professional involvement. Factors like income, family size, and travel time contribute to higher utilization. However, challenges include lack of knowledge and community awareness.

How does China's big data policy affect the digital economy of cities? Evidence from national big data comprehensive pilot zones

Based on the panel data of 280 cities in China from 2011 to 2019, this paper examines the effects of big data policies on the digital economy development by using the national big data comprehensive pilot zones as a quasi-natural experiment. The findings of this paper are as follows. First, the big data policy significantly promotes China's digital economy development. Second, cities at a higher administrative level receive higher policy benefits than cities at a lower administrative level. Third, technological innovation and human capital are important ways for the big data policy to improve the development of the digital economy. The conclusions of this paper not only help to assess the effectiveness of big data policies and ensure the efficacy of policy implementation, but also provide policy support for local governments to fully explore the value of data elements and grasp the new opportunities for the digital economy development with the help of the pilot zones.

Implementation of Big Data Information System Using Open-Source Metabase for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Data Visualization in Surabaya

Civil registration involves the mandatory and continuous documentation of important life events of a country's population under local legal requirements. In many countries, these documents are required to access government services such as education, healthcare, social services, formal employment, insurance benefits, and inheritance rights. Indonesia should prioritize building a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) using a big data information system to ensure every individual has a legal identity, can access government services, and collect accurate and reliable statistics on vital events through geospatial maps. Surabaya, a city in Indonesia, still needs a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system. We produce many informative visualizations from the query and modeling processes in Metabase. Based on the PIECES framework, this application's importance level is 4.56 or 91.25%, meaning the application is important, and the satisfaction level is 4.29 or 85.76%, meaning the application is satisfied for the respondents. This research provides a brief overview of how Metabase works and how it can be used to generate visualizations of job-type data. It demonstrates the ease with which visualizations can be changed and customized. It had a good affordability point, making its implementation easier and more beneficial. It also emphasizes the importance of having a powerful tool like Metabase for data analysis and decision-making, especially for the dispendukcapil as a civil registration agency.

Implementation of Big Data Information System Using Open-Source Metabase for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Data Visualization in Surabaya

Civil registration involves the mandatory and continuous documentation of important life events of a country's population under local legal requirements. In many countries, these documents are required to access government services such as education, healthcare, social services, formal employment, insurance benefits, and inheritance rights. Indonesia should prioritize building a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) using a big data information system to ensure every individual has a legal identity, can access government services, and collect accurate and reliable statistics on vital events through geospatial maps. Surabaya, a city in Indonesia, still needs a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system. We produce many informative visualizations from the query and modeling processes in Metabase. Based on the PIECES framework, this application's importance level is 4.56 or 91.25%, meaning the application is important, and the satisfaction level is 4.29 or 85.76%, meaning the application is satisfied for the respondents. This research provides a brief overview of how Metabase works and how it can be used to generate visualizations of job-type data. It demonstrates the ease with which visualizations can be changed and customized. It had a good affordability point, making its implementation easier and more beneficial. It also emphasizes the importance of having a powerful tool like Metabase for data analysis and decision-making, especially for the dispendukcapil as a civil registration agency.

Implementation of Big Data Information System Using Open-Source Metabase for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Data Visualization in Surabaya

Civil registration involves the mandatory and continuous documentation of important life events of a country's population under local legal requirements. In many countries, these documents are required to access government services such as education, healthcare, social services, formal employment, insurance benefits, and inheritance rights. Indonesia should prioritize building a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) using a big data information system to ensure every individual has a legal identity, can access government services, and collect accurate and reliable statistics on vital events through geospatial maps. Surabaya, a city in Indonesia, still needs a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system. We produce many informative visualizations from the query and modeling processes in Metabase. Based on the PIECES framework, this application's importance level is 4.56 or 91.25%, meaning the application is important, and the satisfaction level is 4.29 or 85.76%, meaning the application is satisfied for the respondents. This research provides a brief overview of how Metabase works and how it can be used to generate visualizations of job-type data. It demonstrates the ease with which visualizations can be changed and customized. It had a good affordability point, making its implementation easier and more beneficial. It also emphasizes the importance of having a powerful tool like Metabase for data analysis and decision-making, especially for the dispendukcapil as a civil registration agency.

Teacher's strategy in efforts to improve digital literacy skills of children aged 7-8 years

This study aims to explore the strategies of South Jakarta International School teachers in improving the digital literacy skills of students aged 7-8 years. This research uses a qualitative case study method focusing on learning activities, teacher strategies, and challenges teachers face. Research data were obtained from observation, interviews, and documentation. The research data were analyzed using Campbell's pattern matchmaking model. By utilizing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, teachers provide opportunities for students to access, be responsible, and utilize technology in learning. This policy benefits students, teachers, and schools. Teachers also implement digital literacy strategies to empower students in integrating technology into learning activities. Through digital learning resources teachers provide, students can develop digital literacy skills such as coding, typing, and digital applications. However, the study also found some obstacles, such as technical issues, self-learning, and online communication and security. This study recommends that teachers and students increase effectiveness, creativity, and initiative in the digital literacy learning process by using appropriate digital learning resources and applications. This study also recommends that parents be involved in the child's learning process by providing guidance and supervision, monitoring children's digital footprints regularly and having knowledge about information and digital literacy from various digital sources.

Analysis of Micro and Small Business Owners' Perceptions of The Benefits of Sharia Insurance In Managing Business Risks

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) owners towards the benefits of sharia insurance in managing business risks. This research is located in Serdang Bedagai, using a case study-based qualitative research method. Data was obtained through interviews with 10 owner research informants, who were selected based on the coverage of various business sectors and income levels. The results revealed that MSE owners have a positive perception of the benefits of Islamic insurance in managing business risks. Although the understanding of Islamic insurance is limited, MSE owners who have not adopted Islamic insurance have varied perspectives according to their understanding and needs. The majority expressed readiness to use sharia insurance if the premium is affordable and the benefits are as needed. However, there are also those who still need further education regarding the concept and halalness of Islamic insurance products. This positive perception shows the potential for growth and adoption of sharia insurance in Serdang Bedagai Regency. However, there are also challenges, namely that there are still owners who do not fully understand the basic principles of sharia insurance.