Health Care Utilization and Costs for the Disabled Not Included in the Medical Aid Allowance

의료급여 장애인의 비 급여 의료비용 조사

This study was conducted to identify the health care utilization, health care costs, and potential health care demands of the disabled in the Medicaid Aid beneficiaries. This study focused on the heath care costs not included in the medical aid allowance such as transportation, informal nursing costs, and ambulatory aids etc. Participants were the 864 subjects who were beneficiaries of the National Medical Aid program living in 10 district of Korea. A questionnaires were distributed to the disabled in the Medical Aid beneficiaries during August to September, 2001 through public offices. Data were collected through a home visiting by social workers working in public offices. Direct and indirect medical costs expended for one month by the participating disabled were examined. They expended 110.748 won $({\$}100)$ for heath care costs, which was not included in the medical aid allowance during the month. The disabled with cerebral diseases or who have level 4 disability expended more health care costs compare to those with other diseases. Gradual expansion of medical aid allowance for the disabled is recommended to alleviate economic burden of the disabled and their family.