Does health insurance solve health care utilization puzzle in Tanzania?

OBJECTIVES

The global target of achieving universal health coverage by 2030 is a nightmare in most developing countries. To seek in-depth reasons, this study examines the effects of health insurance on healthcare utilization in Tanzania.

STUDY DESIGN

This study used a non-experimental research design.

METHODS

Probit model, negative binomial regression, and instrumental variable Poisson with generalized method of moments were used to solve the healthcare utilization puzzle by the use of Andersen Health Care Utilization Model by using the Tanzania Panel Survey data of 2020/21.

RESULTS

The findings showed that education level, income, age, residence, household size, insurance, and distance from homestead to health facilities are significant policy intervention factors for improving households' healthcare utilization behavior among households in Tanzania.

CONCLUSION

Prioritize should be made on interventions that ensure the affordability of health services without compromising the quality of services offered and expanding the share of the government budget on health sector.