Health Insurance Coverage of Documented Myanmar in Muang District, Samutsakhon Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study health insurance coverage and related factors. The sample consisted of 378 legally-immigrated Myanmar nationals aged 18 years and above who were not covered by the Social Security Scheme and resided in Mueang District, Samut Sakhon Province. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, with a statistical significance level set at p<0.05. The study results revealed that 74.3% of the sample had health insurance coverage. Their attitudes toward having health insurance and their perception regarding the Migrant Health Insurance Scheme were at low to moderate levels (96.3% and 69.0%, respectively). Nine variables were found to be associated with having health insurance coverage (p<0.05): age, marital status, occupation, income, length of stay in Thailand, access to information, burden of healthcare costs and financial support for purchasing the Migrant Health Insurance Card, health-seeking behavior, and perception regarding the Migrant Health Insurance Scheme. Therefore, relevant agencies should promote and develop a system for providing information on health insurance benefits, requirements, procedures, and guidelines for purchasing and renewing the migrant health insurance card for migrant workers and their dependents. This is to encourage the migrant workers and dependent groups to have accurate knowledge and to enable them to access the Migrant Health Insurance Scheme and its coverage.