Factors Influencing Health Insurance Uptake Among People Living With Disabilities in Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the factors affecting health insurance uptake among people living with disability in Kenya. Using the KHIBS 2015/2016 dataset a binary probit model is estimated. The findings show that being a female-headed household, employed (formal & self), education attainment, distance to nearest health facility, significantly influenced the uptake health insurance among PWDs in Kenya. Based on these findings, to increase the uptake of health insurance among households with PWDs in Kenya, national and county governments should increase support to encourage households with PWDs to pursue education, such as offer scholarships, provide personal equipment’s like wheelchairs, hearing aids and special reading materials. The government can also ensure access to UHC through strengthening devolution of health care services and subscription to National health insurance fund to every household. Larger household size is linked to a lower uptake of health insurance among PWDs, the government should the encourage and educate households with PWDs on the benefits of family planning through the use of contraception.