Implementing health financing reform. Lessons from countries in transition

Since 1990, the social and economic policies of the transition countries of central and eastern Europe, the Caucasus and central Asia have diverged, including the way they have reformed the financing of their health systems.

This book analyses this rich experience in a systematic way. It reviews the background to health financing systems and reform in these countries, starting with the legacy of the systems in the USSR and central and eastern Europe before 1990 and the consequences (particularly fiscal) of the transition for their organization and performance.

Using in-depth country case experiences, chapters focus on how policies were implemented to change the mechanisms for revenue collection, pooling of funds, purchasing of services and the policy on benefit entitlements. Later chapters highlight particular reform topics:

- the financing of capital costs
- the links between health financing reform and the wider public finance system
- the financing of public health services and programmes
- the role of voluntary health insurance
- informal payments
- accountability in health financing institutions.

From practical experience of implementing, advising or evaluating health financing policies in the region, the authors offer important lessons, as well as pitfalls to avoid in the reform process. This book is essential reading for health finance policy-makers, advisers and analysts in this region and beyond.