Covid-19, out-of-pocket medical expenses and consumption

Purpose Based upon estimates of the change in consumption due to a out-of-pocket-health expenses (dC/dOOPHE) for 43 countries, this paper aims argue reevaluation what constitutes OOPHE when determining health insurance especially wake Covid-19. Design/methodology/approach Reiterative truncated projected least squares (RTPLS), statistical technique designed handle omitted variables problem regression analysis. Findings If budgets are binding than dC/dOOPHE should be 0; if merely adds current 1. However, plotting versus countries which organization economic cooperation and development has required data clearly shows much greater one. This paper’s 2000 2017 range from 15.6 Switzerland (in 2016) 225.2 Columbia 2003). Research limitations/implications RTPLS cannot determine part results an increase income causing both is because actual far exceeding official OOPHE. latter involved. Practical implications As Covid-19 sickens millions while depriving their normal means generating income, expanded insurance. imply that even prior covered less optimal amount Originality/value first use estimate dC/dOOPHE.