Implications of Contributions to Equity in Access of Health Care: A Case of Community Based Health Insurance Schemes in Kenya

Abstract

The realization of equity goals requires commitment and combination of contributions from all stakeholders in the healthcare sector under the stewardship of the government. The purpose of this study was to examine the mix of contributions in Community Based Health Insurance Schemes (CBHIs) and equity in healthcare in Kenya. The sample was composed of 318 members of management teams drawn from 82 CBHIs. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, path analysis and multivariate regression analysis in structural modeling equation (SEM) were conducted to determine the mix of contributions in CBHIs and its bearing on equity in healthcare in CBHIs in Kenya. The study concludes that current mix of contributions is not adequate enough to guarantee equity in access of health care for the poor and vulnerable groups. For realization of equity in access of health care governments and sectoral partners should define the place of CBHIs within the national health policy to guide establishment of an optimal combination of contributions in CBHIs for increased access to care and financial risk protection for precluded groups.