The Role of Members of Parliament in Protecting People Against Healthcare-related Poverty

The Role of Members of Parliament in Protecting People Against Healthcare-related Poverty

Financial Protection Reforms and Budget Cycle
Background

Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. UHC aims to achieve equity in health service use, quality health care and financial protection.

Financial protection is achieved when people do not experience financial barriers when seeking health care and, if they must pay out-of-pocket (OOP) to obtain health services, such payments are not a source of financial hardship. Although no country can sustainably provide all services free of charge, sufficient financial protection mechanisms reduce the risk that people will have to choose between spending on health and spending on other basic needs such as food, housing and utilities. Now would they be forced to use up their life savings, sell assets or borrow – destroying their futures, and often those of their children – to obtain the services and health products they need. Where there is good financial protection, people are not pushed or further pushed into poverty when they suffer from disease, illness, or an accident.

Parliamentarians play a critical role in shaping policies and budgets that protect people against health-related poverty. This questionnaire seeks to gather insights on national budget cycles and legislative efforts to enhance financial protection. Responses will allow UNITE and UHC2030 to provide adequate information to parliamentarians in advancing UHC commitments.

All responses will remain confidential and will only be used for the stated purpose.

Key resource: The path towards universal health coverage, Handbook for Parliamentarians No. 35 (https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/364855)

Chapter 4.2.2 Improve financial protection in health

UHC2030: who we are

UHC2030 is a global, multi-stakeholder platform for accelerating sustainable progress towards UHC. UHC2030’s vision is a world where all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. Our mission is to accelerate sustainable progress towards UHC, focusing on building equitable and resilient health systems that leave no one behind and that provide the foundation to achieve health security.

All questions signaled with * are mandatory.
1. Country Name*
Section 1: Health Budget Cycle
2. When does your parliament negotiate its health budget?*
2.1. If "other", please explain.
3. Does your legislature have a specific committee that reviews health-related budgets (e.g. Health Budget Committee)?

YesNo
3.1. If "yes", please briefly describe the committee's structure and role.
4. Please provide an overview of the key stages of your country's health budget cycle and the approximate timelines for each phase, from drafting to final approval
Section 2: Financial Protection Reforms
5. Is your country currently undertaking or has recently undertaken any legal or regulatory reform to manage the cost of health services or products for users (e.g. emergency care, doctor's visits, medicines, etc.) in order to ensure financial protection?*

YesNo
5.1. If "yes", please indicate which mechanisms are being explored or have been introduced by the parliament to improve financial protection.
6. Are there specific challenges your parliament faces in ensuring financial protection in health (e.g. budget limitations, policy coordination)?
Section 3: Additional Information
7. Are you currently serving as a Member of Parliament?*

YesNo
8. Would you be interested in receiving tailored resources or training on financial protection in health?*

YesNo
9. Please share any additional comments or suggestions to improve financial protection in your country.
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Position/Role
Should be Empty:

The Role of Members of Parliament in Protecting People Against Healthcare-related Poverty

Section 1: Health Budget Cycle

Section 2: Financial Protection Reforms

Section 3: Additional Information