DaCHE discussion papers,
University of Southern Denmark, Dache - Danish Centre for Health Economics

Abstract: In Denmark GP services are free at the point of use. A looming conflict between GPs and the payor, the Danish Regions, has raised the possibility of copayment during a possible upcoming conflict. Danish empirical evidence on the demand effect of copayment is largely nonexisting. However, from October 1st 1984 to January 5th 1985 there was period with about 40% copayment. Results from the few analyses of the demand effects during this period are summarized. The average copayment for the period was 40% the remaing 60% was reimbursed if an invoice was presented to the municipal office. The total number of contacts decreased with between 4050%. The demand for outofhours service decreased with about the same percentage. The demand for services from a hospital A&E department increased with about 24%. Demand for services from office based specialist decreased with about 10% due to a reduced number of referrals. For office based specialists where referral from GP was not needed the demand was largely unaffected, if anything a slight increase. The 4050% decrease in quantity demanded is not, however, an equilibrium level, in that that the income level of GPs is reduced and most likely will lead to a price adjustment.

Keywords: co-payment; demand for health services

JEL-codes: I11; I13; I18

9 pages, May 17, 2013

Full text files

2013_3.pdf  Full text

Download statistics

• University of Southern Denmark, Dache - Danish Centre for Health Economics
• Home page for this series

Questions (including download problems) about the papers in this series should be directed to Christian Volmar Skovsgaard ()
Report other problems with accessing this service to Sune Karlsson ().

RePEc:hhs:sduhec:2013_003This page generated on 2024-09-13 22:17:02.