Impact Assessment of Micro Health Insurance in Bangladesh

• Can micro health insurance increase utilization of modern healthcare?
• Can micro health insurance improve health status?
• Can micro health insurance reduce poverty?

Partner organizations

Grameen Kalyan is an affiliate of Grameen Bank, a Bangladeshi microfinance institution. Grameen Kalyan undertakes programs to promote the well-being of the members of Grameen Bank, operating a health program which comprises of over 40 health centers each with its own qualified physician, an office manager, a female paramedic/nurse, a laboratory technician and five female health assistants. Every health center has the capacity to serve a population of 30-35 thousand people and provides services to both Grameen Bank members and other villagers. Grameen Kalyan has also started a micro health insurance scheme for its clients.

Product

With a premium of 150 Bangladesh Taka (about USD $2.16) for Grameen Bank members, and 250 Taka (about USD $3.61) for non-members, this health insurance scheme provides concessions on consultation fees, diagnostic charges, and drug prices. The policy provides coverage for up to six members of a household.

Evaluation design

Non-experimental: Program control design

Data sources: household surveys, focus groups and in-depth interviews

Sample size: 405 households