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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Christiaan J. Lako, dr and Nelleke de Vos, ir. Public Administration, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9408, Nijmegen, 6500 HK, Netherlands, 011-31243613077, C.Lako@fm.ru.nl

This presentation reports the results of a study of factors associated with the acceptance of healthcare rebates introduced by the Dutch government in 2005 in a sample of consumers covered by social health insurance. As defined in this country, a rebate is offered to consumers in amounts ranging between one and 255 euros to consumers with less than 255 euro in healthcare costs annually. Those exceeding 255 euro are denied the rebate. Data were derived from a survey of consumers defined as those 18 years and older in the region near Amersfoort, the Netherlands. A sample of 5383 citizens was surveyed in the fall of 2004 about attitudes towards health and medical consumption. A response rate of 59% was achieved reflecting the relevant sociodemographic variables of the total population. Private insured consumers were excluded from the analysis. A total of 1820 consumers were included in the analysis. Discriminant function analysis (p<0.01) confirmed our hypothesis that the rebate would be more attractive to younger individuals, not living alone, or feeling alone and those without financial problems as well as not consuming significant medical care. Although the literature is not consistent about the role of health perception, this study shows that those with a positive self-perception of health were more in favor of a rebate. In health care reform it should be realized that rejection of a healthcare rebate is more likely to be found among those with a negative self-perception of their health.

Learning Objectives: At the end of session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify six factors associated with the acceptance of a healthcare rebate.
• Assess the relevance of surveys among consumers for the development of a healthcare rebate.
• Create guidelines for the development of a healthcare rebate.

Keywords: Health Care Reform, Health Insurance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No