Unmet health care needs among the working-age population. Evidence from the great recession in Spain

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper we tested the hypothesis that unmet health care needs can be interpreted in terms of employment status of individuals. The latest cross-sectional health surveys for Spain (2006 and 2011-2012) were used. The econometric approach is based on a Probit model estimation. When controlling for differences in other socioeconomic characteristics, our results for Spain supported stronger association for health status than for employment status. Moreover, empirical evidence was found that working-age people reported less unmet needs in the Great Recession than previously. Findings should be considered first in light of the Spanish National Health Service, completely decentralized to regions, which provides universal coverage for all residents. Second in terms of the likely worsening health-care-attendance experienced throughout the crisis.