Micro Health Plans for Macro Benefit

With the recent rise of interest in micro-financing programs as a means of combating poverty have also arisen new creative approaches to the micro-scheme. Scott Atlas, professor at Stanford School of Medicine, is reporting on the emergence of micro-health plans, what he dubs as an essential compliment to microcredit. He notes that, “Microcredit did not always succeed in bringing people out of poverty, the major reason being the burden of out-of-pocket health-care payments. In the absence of health insurance, family illness was consuming any money earned.”

The Grameen Bank in Bangladesh provides its clients health insurance for $3 a year per family, thereby helping families avoid financial ruin in the wake of burdensome health expenses. Creative hybrid partnerships with medical clinics, physicians, and volunteers often enable the program, allowing good health to contribute to economic development.

For more info: http://washingtontimes.com/commentary/20070123-101929-1369r.htm