This indicator measures the percentage of a nation’s population that falls below the poverty threshold due to high out-of-pocket health expenses. It specifically identifies households that, without these health-related costs, would be above the 60% median consumption level but are pushed into poverty as a result of their expenditures on medical services. Out-of-pocket health expenditures encompass all direct payments made by households for a broad array of health services, including preventive care, treatment for illnesses, and long-term support, regardless of the provider or setting. By highlighting the financial burden of healthcare on households, this indicator underscores the critical link between health equity and economic stability, revealing the widespread impact of health costs on poverty levels in society.
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