Effects of Socio-economic Factors on the Uptake of Health Insurance by Motorcycle Taxi Operators in Machakos County, Kenya.

Abstract

Quality healthcare is crucial in sustained social and economic progress and poverty reduction. These can be achieved by ensuring that health services are effective, affordable and accessible to everyone. The expected outcome of healthcare financing is achievement of universal health coverage with a focus on making health services accessible to all and offering financial protection. The uptake of healthcare insurance programs in Kenya is generally low. The Kenya Integrated Budget Household Survey (KIBHS 2015/16) indicated that only 19.0 % people in the country are covered. The health insurance coverage for Machakos county stood at 18.5% according to the KIBHS 2015/16. The extent of purchase of health insurance remains low in spite of the schemes such as NHIF are easily accessible to anyone. The main aim of the study was to determine the effects of socioeconomic factors on the uptake of health insurance among motorcycle taxi operators in Machakos-Kenya. This study utilized a binary probit regression model to assess the effects of socioeconomic factors on subscription to health insurance amidst the motorbike taxi operators of Machakos county. The data collection tool was a questionnaire focusing on measurement of a number of variables in the binary probit model. Binary probit regression model was used in analysis and results were reported at 95% confidence interval whereby previous employment status tertiary education and motorcycle ownership had a positive and significant relationship with enrollment. Age, household size, motorcycle ownership and membership in a social welfare. Affected enrollment into healthcare insurance schemes however the effect was statistically insignificant. It is worth noting that enrollment of health insurance by motorcycle taxi operators was low, standing at only (23.3%) in spite of the associated advantages. Thus the government should focus more on increasing literacy levels by encouraging more students to progress with tertiary education. The government also needs to create awareness by engaging the social welfare groups where majority of these operators are members.