Evaluation of Health Expenditures in Terms of Income Elasticity: A Systematic Review

Aim: Health expenditures continue to increase both globally and nationally nowadays. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the relationship between income and health expenditure, which is one of the important determinants of health expenditures, on income elasticity findings of OECD countries. In this context, the health spending levels of OECD member countries and changes in years have been examined. Then, the relationship between health expenditures and income elasticity has been defined. Method: In accordance with the aim of the study, 16 scientific studies, which have been published between the dates of 2008-2018 and selected with specific criteria, have been systematically examined in terms of the relationship between health expenditures and income. Income elasticity findings in selected scientific publications have been grouped and made comparable. Results: Although there were observable differences between the groups, the income elasticity values of health expenditures have been found to be mostly in the group classified as “necessity” between 0-1 values. Conclusion: This result shows that expenditures for health services have not yet reached adequate levels although they have increased over the years. In this respect, health spending is expected to continue to increase in the coming years.