Some believe that the poor are unable or unwilling to take on the complex task of designing their own insurance packages. We here at the MIA beg to differ. Our field research has shown that poor communities demand more control over their healthcare provision and furthermore are able to take difficult decisions about healthcare needs when faced with limited resources.

To help poor communities manage the trade-offs when considering healthcare benefits, we use a game-like tool called CHAT “Choosing Health Plans All Together”. This tool allows members to jointly define the benefit package that covers their most relevant needs. In CHAT, even illiterate and innumerate persons can participate and decide on the composition and price of their health insurance.

Given the low incomes of the target population, premiums have to be low. However, low premiums have a two-pronged effect: higher affordability and limited coverage. Therefore the careful rationing of benefits is essential. Who is best placed to determine how resources are rationed? The members of the community.

The 5-minute film below shows how this can be acheived through CHAT - Enjoy!