Underuse of Health-Based Benefits: A Case Study

This study investigates the underuse of health-based benefits. Underuse refers to a situation, where a customer does not receive benefits they are entitled to. Underuse is part of the problem with social security allocation, i.e. the system does not fulfil its goals or work effectively if underuse occurs.

The data comprises register data on the decisions and recipients of sickness allowance and rehabilitation services in 2017–2021. Rejected applications are drawn from the registers, and the reasons behind the rejection are analysed in relation to background factors. A particular focus is on the reasons for rejection related to missing information or doctor’s certificate. We use statistical methods to analyse the data.

The goal of the research questions is to investigate the frequency of underuse, the significance of the underlying factors, and the processes leading to rejected applications. Based on the data, we get an overall picture of the situations where underuse most likely occurs. Underuse may be caused by the complexity of the social security system, which is why it is important to study the subject. Earlier research on the underuse in Kela is scarce, and the goal of this study is to prevent underuse in the future. The study is an important part of Kela’s customer research programme.

Researchers

• Antti Teittinen, Leading Researcher
• Riitta Luoto

Project Implementation Period

1.1.2022–31.12.2022. The project has ended.