Accessibility to hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Argentina, depending on Health financing Institution, 2000-2010

Abstract

Introduction: Because of its high cost, the realization or not of a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation could depend greatly on the financing institution. OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in the degree of accessibility to HSC transplantation among health financing institutions. METHODS: The sample was composed by the Special Programs Administration (APE), the Organ Transplant Financing Institution (EFTO) of Buenos Aires Province and the Special Situations Direct Assistance Board (DADSE). A retrospective population based design was used. Data was processed using Excel. Statistical information was obtained through the Epi-Info software (StatCalc module). RESULTS: The differences between DADSE, EFTO and APE were statistically non-significant. However, data collected within each institution showed that in DADSE the highest usage rate for a province is 24 times higher than the lowest one and that in APE the highest usage rate for a social health insurance plan is 15 times higher than the lowest one. Population with health insurance other than APE shows a usage rate which is significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in the usage rate between populations with and without formal work (APE and DADSE), suggesting that the state compensates the socio-occupational deficit. However, the big differences within DADSE/APE, and between this one and other pooled entities, show a situation of horizontal inequity and highlight the need to eliminate access difficulties due to financing institutions.