Determinants of public satisfaction with the National Health Insurance in South Korea.

To explore the determinants of public satisfaction with the National Health Insurance, this study re-analyzed the 2004 public satisfaction survey with the Korean National Health Insurance (KNHI) conducted by Korean National Health Insurance Corporation (KNHIC). One thousand samples were selected with probability proportional to population size (by region/sex/age). The data collected by home-visit interview were transformed into the final data set by matching them to the insured's benefit database and the qualification database. The results showed that metropolitan residence, insured type, relationship between respondent and householder, subjective health status, benefit-cost ratio, and attitudes toward KNHI were direct determinants of satisfaction with KNHI. In addition, various demographic and socioeconomic variables and the health status of the respondent's family indirectly influenced satisfaction with KNHI. Among these variables, the attitude toward KNHI was the most vital factor to determine public satisfaction. The study results show that equity in monthly contributions and an enhanced quantity and quality of medical services are required to improve public satisfaction with KNHI. Furthermore, it is important to improve the public perception of social values and solidarity for increased public satisfaction with KNHI.