ASSESSMENT OF THE DIFFERENTIAL HEALTHCARE COSTS BETWEEN INSURED AND NON-INSURED PATIENTS ATTENDING THE GENERAL OUT PATIENT CLINIC, BARAU DIKKO TEACHING HOSPITAL, KADUNA

Abstract

This study assesses the differential healthcare costs between insured and non-insured patients

attending the general Out Patient Clinic, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna. The study

used survey method, descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data. The results showed

that among those enrolled in health insurance program, 23.1% are covered by the National

Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). In comparison, 50.3% are enrolled in the Kaduna State

Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA). The non-enrolled constitute 26.6%

and non-enrolled under Private Health Insurance or any Community-Based insurance scheme.

This indicates a higher prevalence of KADCHMA coverage. Furthermore, when assuming equal

variances, the t-test indicates a significant difference in healthcare spending between the two

groups, with a t-statistic of -5.476 and a p-value of 0.000. The findings suggest that individuals

enrolled in a health insurance program tend to spend significantly less on healthcare services per

month than those not enrolled. This difference is statistically significant, indicating that health

insurance coverage is associated with reduced healthcare spending among the surveyed

individuals in the general our patient clinic of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. The study

recommends among others that Collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, including

government agencies, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and community organizations,

is crucial for successfully implementing healthcare access and affordability strategies. By

working together, these stakeholders can leverage their resources and expertise to address the

healthcare system's complex challenges and ensure better health outcomes for all individuals.