Effectiveness of strategies used to increase uptake of community-based health insurance by the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau

Abstract

The study investigated the effectiveness of strategies the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau uses to increase uptake of community-based health insurance in Uganda. It was premised on three objectives, which are: assessing the effectiveness of community awareness campaigns in increasing uptake community-based health insurance at Uganda protestant medical bureau, assessing the effectiveness of partnerships with local healthcare providers by the bureau has increased uptake of community-based health insurance, and analyzing the effectiveness of offering subsidized premiums to increase accessibility and participation among low-income populations in community-based health insurance. The study used an evaluative research design with a quantitative study approach, collecting quantitative data from 98 savers of Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau through a survey. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 27. The findings from the study reveal varying degrees of effectiveness in the strategies used to increase uptake of community-based health insurance at the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau. Community awareness campaigns have had a moderate impact, effectively educating the public about community-based health insurance benefits (mean = 3.55, SD = 1.219) but struggling with providing clear information (mean = 2.51, SD = 1.133) and building trust in the program (mean = 2.44, SD = 1.236). Partnerships with local healthcare providers have had mixed results, improving the quality of care (mean = 3.44, SD = 1.277) but less effective in enhancing accessibility (mean = 2.46, SD = 1.203) or timely service delivery (mean = 2.49, SD = 1.302). These partnerships have strengthened trust (mean = 3.36, SD = 1.195) and contributed to higher enrollment (mean = 3.59, SD = 1.250), yet their role in improving health outcomes (mean = 3.57, SD = 1.268) and ensuring long-term sustainability (mean = 2.83, SD = 1.334) remains a challenge. However, subsidized premiums have positively contributed to the financial sustainability of the health insurance program (mean = 4.01, SD = 1.239). Therefore, the study recommends simplifying communication using visual aids and local languages to improve clarity and reach. It also suggests launching targeted campaigns to address misconceptions and building trust through community involvement, especially by engaging local leaders. Additionally, the study calls for enhancing healthcare accessibility, improving timely service delivery, and strengthening collaborations for the long-term sustainability of the Community Based Health Insurance program while expanding subsidy programs and introducing flexible payment options to serve low-income populations better.