In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), striving for universal health coverage and sustainable healthcare systems presents a formidable challenge. Such countries often grapple with limited resources, exorbitant out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and inefficient payment systems. However, recent trends indicate a shift towards innovative healthcare coverage and payment reforms, aiming to improve the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services. These reforms encompass a range of strategies, from risk-sharing agreements to global budget payment systems. Understanding the dynamics, outcomes, and impacts of these reforms is crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery in LMICs. Integral to this understanding is the application of empirical research using causal inference methods. Such research is pivotal in elucidating the direct effects of specific reforms. By using these methods in the analysis of healthcare reforms, the research can provide valuable insights.
This Research Topic aims to explore the latest developments, challenges, and successes in healthcare coverage and payment reforms in LMICs. It calls for original contributions that examine the effects of these transformations on healthcare access, quality, and financial protection using quantitative methods. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how LMICs are navigating the challenges of achieving and improving universal health coverage and sustainable healthcare financing.
We welcome original research, reviews, case studies, and policy analysis papers that delve into various aspects of healthcare coverage and payment reforms in LMICs. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Impact of healthcare reforms on access and quality of care.
• Innovations in financing healthcare in LMICs.
• Successes and challenges in implementing universal health coverage.
• Comparative studies of different healthcare payment models.
• Policy implications for sustainable healthcare financing in LMICs.
• The role of public and private sectors in healthcare reforms.
• Equity and efficiency in healthcare coverage.
Keywords: pay-for-performance, outcome-based, value-based, global budget, low- and middle-income countries (lmics), healthcare coverage and payment reforms
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
