Medical Spending in Denmark

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-5890.2016.12119
• Publication Date: 2016-11-21T10:15:27Z
• Authors: Bent Jesper Chris...; Mette Gørtz; Malene Kallestrup...
• Keywords: Quarter (Canadian coin); Danish

Abstract Using full population longitudinal data from merged administrative registers for Denmark, we document that medical spending is highly concentrated in the and persistent through time at individual level. In addition, provide overviews of institutional details Danish health care system, aggregate trends expenditures relevant register data. Nearly two‐thirds are on hospitals one‐fifth long‐term care, with remainder roughly equally split between primary prescription drugs. Health higher men than women ages 61 to 78, otherwise women. Between 50 80, hospital more triple while doubling women, total quadruple tripling The top 1 per cent all spenders account nearly one‐quarter a given year, averaging over three years only reduces this fraction one‐fifth. 20 year likely remain category two later not. poorest fifth aged 25 above responsible twice as much richest, reverse social gradient even stronger among especially expenses. Expenditures (over years) before death 12 times (respectively nine times) average, but nevertheless 11 quarter) lifetime spending. Out‐of‐pocket expenses drugs amount 3 less these.