Willingness to pay for the sustainability of the Aceh Health Insurance Program among households in Aceh, Indonesia

Background: The urgency of researching health financing is evident in the global concern over the escalating costs of health services. In the midst of a sluggish world economy and high levels of inflation, individuals, particularly those in lower-middle-income countries, are increasingly burdened by health-related financial obligations. The Aceh Health Insurance Program, funded by special autonomy funds from the Central Government, plays a crucial role in this context. However, its funding is set to end in 2027, necessitating the people of Aceh to contribute to their health service financing. This study aimed to identify the relationship between socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics and the willingness to pay (WTP) for health insurance in Aceh, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the Aceh Health Insurance Program. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional approach involving respondents from various socio-demographic backgrounds. The study used a comprehensive household survey to collect data. Through a rigorous multistage random sampling approach, a representative sample of 1082 households from four districts in Aceh. Results were found using the Chi-square test on bivariate and logistic regression test on multivariate. Results: The majority of households (84.8%) are not inclined to pay for health insurance. However, factors such as the number of dependents, occupation, income, and household expenses significantly influence the willingness to pay for health insurance. These findings underscore the importance of considering socio-demographic and socio-economic factors in the design of a new health insurance scheme. This is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the health insurance program in Aceh, Indonesia. Conclusion: When planning a new scheme, socio-demographic and socio-economic factors must be considered to ensure the long-term sustainability of the health insurance program in Aceh, Indonesia.