Roles of Social Protection to Promote Health Service Coverage among Vulnerable People toward Achieving Universal Health Coverage: A Literature Review of International Organizations

Abstract

A wider range of social protection services, including social insurance and social assistance, are gaining global attention as a key driver of improved health service coverage and financial protection among vulnerable populations. However, only a few studies have investigated the associations between social protection and universal health coverage (UHC). Therefore, we conducted a literature review on relevant international organizations with respect to this topic. We found that many international organizations consider the wide range of social protection services, including social insurance and social assistance, essential for achieving UHC in 2030. In specific health programs, social protection is considered an important service to promote health service access and financial protection, especially among vulnerable populations. However, discussions about social protection for achieving UHC are not given high priority in the World Health Organization. Currently, the coverage of social protection services is low among vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. To address this issue, we employed the metrics recommended by the migrant integration policy index (MIPEX). Based on our findings, a conceptual framework was developed. We expect this framework to lead synergy between social protection and health systems around the globe, resulting in healthy ageing.

Assessing social protection influence on health status in the European Union

“…The results obtained from structural equation modeling support hypothesis H1. According to the research findings, we identified a significant positive correlation between healthcare expenditures and health status, confirming previous research conclusions ( 1 , 28 , 43 , 56 , 57 ) about the importance of healthcare investments in promoting a healthy population and societal well-being. We found a significant positive influence of social protection expenditures on health status mediated through healthcare expenditure.…”

“…Sustainable and well-managed social programs can improve individual health and contribute to overall public health by creating a favorable health development and maintenance environment. These findings have significant practical and managerial implications ( 28 ). Integrating public health perspectives into developing and implementing social policies can create more comprehensive and targeted approaches to improving population health ( 27 ).…”

“…Social protection services, including social assistance, are considered by Yokobori et al ( 28 ) to play an essential role in improving access to healthcare services among vulnerable populations. Multiple systematic analyses have demonstrated the positive impact of social insurance on health.…”

“…Multiple systematic analyses have demonstrated the positive impact of social insurance on health. For example, social protection and social insurance provision have been associated with improved maternal and child health service utilization ( 28–30 ). Spaan et al ( 31 ) identify positive effects on health resulting from improvements in the health insurance system.…”

“…Social protection programs, such as universal healthcare coverage, income support, and social welfare initiatives, are designed to mitigate socio-economic disparities and provide individuals with access to essential healthcare services and resources ( 33–37 ). Ensuring equitable access to healthcare and addressing social determinants of health, social protection expenditure is expected to impact health status positively, leading to improved overall well-being and reduced morbidity and mortality rates ( 28 ).…”