Aging population: Public willingness to pay for health care hinges on perceived benefits and risks

Medical Xpress August 28, 2024
Tokyo University of Science

Health care is undoubtedly crucial for everyone. As individuals age, the risk for health issues and related expenses increases. Consequently, many countries have universal health care systems, primarily funded through tax and insurance, to ensure access to essential health care services.

However, this system is under a heavy fiscal burden since the aging population has increased manyfold, owing to decreasing fertility rates and increasing life span. To sustain the system, governments must face the herculean task of persuading citizens to contribute more to health insurance.

In a recent study, a research team consisting of Associate Professor Tomoko Matsumoto and Junior Associate Professor Daiki Kishishita from Tokyo University of Science, Japan, assessed whether informing individuals about the benefits they would personally...