The Joint Demand for Health Care, Leisure, and Commodities: Implications for Health Care Finance and Access in Vietnam

Journal of Development Studies, Vol. 43, No. 8, pp. 1475-1500, November 2007

Posted: 6 Dec 2007

See all articles by Chad D. Meyerhoefer

Chad D. Meyerhoefer

Lehigh University

David E. Sahn

Cornell University

Stephen D. Younger

Tulane University - CEQ Institute

Abstract

This paper explores linkages between the demand for health care providers and the consumption of food, non-food goods, and leisure in Vietnam, using a mixed continuous/discrete dependent variable model. Cross-price elasticities calculated from the model suggest there are strong substitution effects between health care, leisure, and certain commodities. The model allows us to explore the implications of replacing user fees with alternative forms of health care finance, such as commodity taxes. In particular, the results suggest financing public health care services with a non-food sales tax rather than user fees would be more progressive and would improve access to care.

Suggested Citation

Meyerhoefer, Chad D. and Sahn, David E. and Younger, Stephen D., The Joint Demand for Health Care, Leisure, and Commodities: Implications for Health Care Finance and Access in Vietnam. Journal of Development Studies, Vol. 43, No. 8, pp. 1475-1500, November 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1060601

Chad D. Meyerhoefer (Contact Author)

Lehigh University ( email )

620 Taylor Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
United States
610-758-3445 (Phone)
610-758-4677 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www3.lehigh.edu/business/faculty/meyerhoefer.asp

David E. Sahn

Cornell University ( email )

B16 MVR Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
United States
607-255-8931 (Phone)
607-255-0178 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://courses.cit.cornell.edu/des16

Stephen D. Younger

Tulane University - CEQ Institute ( email )

6823 St Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

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