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Financing medical specialist services in The Netherlands: Welfare implications of imperfect agency

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  • Folmer, Cees
  • Westerhout, Ed

Abstract

Since 1995 the financing scheme for medical specialist services in the Netherlands has moved from a fee-for-service scheme to a capitation scheme. This paper analyzes the economic and welfare effects of this policy change. The paper adopts a numerical model that integrates demand and supply considerations and that recognizes the potential roles of moral hazard and supplier-induced demand. The paper finds that the shift in financing regime has been welfare-reducing. The policy change induced medical specialists to lower the supply of the health services which was already lower than optimal before the policy reform.

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  • Folmer, Cees & Westerhout, Ed, 2008. "Financing medical specialist services in The Netherlands: Welfare implications of imperfect agency," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 25(5), pages 946-958, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:25:y:2008:i:5:p:946-958
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