Health Policy Manag.  2023 Sep;33(3):264-272. 10.4332/KJHPA.2023.33.3.264.

The Effects of Private Health Insurance on Healthcare Utilization of People with Physical and Mental Illness: According to 2018 Korea Health Panel Survey Data

• Na R
• Yoon SJ

• KMID: 2549113
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4332/KJHPA.2023.33.3.264

Abstract

Background
Private health insurance supplements the coverage of national health insurance in Korea. In this situation, the subject of the study is to identify the healthcare utilization of people with physical and mental illnesses according to private health insurance.
Methods
This study used data from the Korea Health Panel Survey 2018. The study population consisted of 813 individuals with physical and mental illnesses (PMI). Multiple logistic regression analysis and binominal logistic regression analysis were conducted about the utilization of emergency, inpatient, and outpatient medical services of people with PMI depending on enrollment in private health insurance (PHI).
Results
The results of this study indicated that individuals with PHI utilized emergency and outpatient medical services less frequently compared to those without PHI. Conversely, having PHI was associated with a higher utilization of inpatient medical services compared to not having PHI. Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals with PMI who had PHI exhibited a higher frequency of visits to emergency and outpatient medical services compared to those without PHI. However, the significance of this trend was not observed in the case of emergency medical services. On the other hand, individuals with PMI who had PHI showed a lower frequency of visits to inpatient medical services compared to those without PHI.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there was a significant relationship between having PHI and the utilization of medical services in people with PMI. There is a need for a follow-up study considering the type of mental illnesses, length of stay, and health outcome of people with PMI depending on having PHI.

Keyword

Physical and mental illness; Private health insurance; Health care utilization