This indicator captures the percentage of individuals in a nation whose economic stability is threatened due to health care costs, specifically those whose out-of-pocket expenditures on medical services and goods have essentially driven them below the $3.65 poverty threshold (in 2017 PPP). It highlights the
financial burden placed on households that, without these healthcare expenses, would have maintained a standard of living above the poverty line. It encompasses all forms of health-related spending, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and long-term care across various healthcare settings. By analyzing this metric, policymakers can better understand the intersection of health expenditures and poverty, facilitating targeted interventions that aim to reduce health-related financial hardships and promote more equitable access to essential health services.
Source: