Public and private roles in health : theory and financing patterns

The appropriate role of the state in health is complex both in economic theory and in practice. Theory identifies three reasons for state action: (i) public goods or services with large externalities (involving efficiency); (ii) poverty (involving equity); and (iii) failings peculiar to insurance ma...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Musgrove, Philip
Corporate Author: Banco Mundial
Format: Book
Published: Washington, D.C. World Bank 1996
Series:World Bank discussion paper no. 339
Subjects:
Description
Summary:The appropriate role of the state in health is complex both in economic theory and in practice. Theory identifies three reasons for state action: (i) public goods or services with large externalities (involving efficiency); (ii) poverty (involving equity); and (iii) failings peculiar to insurance markets for health care (where both inefficiency and inequity arise). The insurance domain presents the most costly and difficult problems, and explains why - in contrast tom other sectors - governments tend to finance an increasing share of health care as incomes rise. Regulation, mandates and provision of information are also crucial public instruments; public provision of care is less important.
Item Description:Copias: 48253
Physical Description:ix, 81 p. : il.
Bibliography:Incluye bibliografía
ISBN:0-8213-3710-6
ISSN:0259-210X