Catastrophic health care expenditure due to septic shock and dengue shock in Vietnam

Background The cost of treatment for infectious shock in intensive care in Vietnam is unknown. Methods We prospectively investigated hospital bills for adults treated for septic and dengue shock in Vietnam and calculated the proportion who faced catastrophic health care expenditures. Results The median hospital bills were US$617 for septic shock (n=100) and US$57 for dengue shock (n=88). Catastrophic payments were incurred by 47% (47/100) and 13% (11/88) of patients with septic shock and dengue shock, respectively, and 56% (25/45) and 84% (5/6) fatal cases of septic shock and dengue shock respectively. Conclusions Further advocacy is required to moderate insurance co-payments for costly critical care interventions.

The Effect of Catastrophic Health Expenditure on Work After Retirement

Several factors can force retirees to go to paid work. Catastrophic health-care expenditure (CHCE) is one of the driving forces for retirees to go to paid work. This cross-sectional study was based on 6,307 Iran retirees’ data. Xu method was used to calculate CHCE, and a logit model was estimated to show the association between CHCE and bridge employment. Other control variables were added to the model. The findings showed that there was positive relationship between CHCE and bridge employment. Retirement pension had negative relationship with work after retirement. Prevalence of work after retirement was higher in people who lived in rural region and increased due to increase in household size. The financial constraint was the main pushing factor for the retiree to go to paid work. Thus, covering retirees with health insurances and identifying and listing diseases that may face the retirees with CHCE are some possible efforts to decrease CHCE.