Public attitudes towards patient payments in Bulgarian public health care sector: results of a household survey.

This paper analyses the attitudes towards patient payments in the Bulgarian public health care sector. The analysis is based on results of a household survey conducted in the region of Varna (the third largest city in Bulgaria) between May and June 2000. The data are collected through interviews based on a standardised questionnaire and are analysed by non-parametric statistical procedures. The results show that the majority of the respondents accept to pay for public health care services if these services are provided with good quality and quick access. On average, charges for primary and dental care receive higher approval than charges for hospital services. A large percentage of the sample disagrees with charges related to actual service cost or service quality and nearly all respondents consider a ceiling on payments appropriate. According to the majority of the interviewed, the charges should be retained at the place of service provision. The sample shows strong support for an extensive system of exemptions from payments.