• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.309-332
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• 2016

This research attempts to calculate the vertical equity of National Health Insurance Contribution of locally provided policy holders by abilities to pay. Also, this longitudinal study examined the influence of abilities to pay and demographic characteristics on the health insurance premium. Using data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study, this study followed the self-employed households who continued to participate in the survey from 2011 to 2015. Kakwani's index of progressivity was measured as a measure of vertical equity and panel regression analysis was conducted by STATA program. The results of this research are as follows. First, from 2011 to 2015, the values of kakwani's index were negative according to composite income, which meant some levels of regressiveness of contribution. Secondly, panel regression analysis showed that the lowest household of composite income had a significantly negative effect on premiums, which also meant regressiveness. Based on the results, the author suggested political discussions on reorganizing the system of imposing the National Health Insurance contribution.