Awareness and Availment of Healthcare Financing Services

Abstract

Access to healthcare financing helps patients obtain essential medical services while reducing the risk of financial hardship. This study determined the level of awareness and extent of availment of healthcare financing services among patients of Camiguin General Hospital. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed among 372 respondents selected through convenience sampling. The respondents included recently discharged patients and outpatients who had accessed hospital services. An adapted and modified survey questionnaire was used, with supplementary casual interviews to clarify patient experiences and identify service-navigation challenges. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey post-hoc test, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient were applied. Awareness of healthcare financing services was high (M = 3.40, SD = 0.75), while availment was moderate (M = 2.75, SD = 1.11). The highest awareness indicator was knowing where to seek financial assistance (M = 3.55), whereas awareness of PCSO medical assistance obtained the lowest mean (M = 3.15). The Malasakit Center one-stop program was the most frequently availed service (M = 3.14), while NGO or charitable assistance received the lowest availment rating (M = 2.16). Awareness significantly differed according to educational attainment, F(4, 367) = 3.04, p = .017. Availment significantly differed according to family monthly income, F(3, 368) = 9.50, p < .001, and educational attainment, F(4, 367) = 5.38, p < .001. Awareness and availment had a statistically significant positive relationship, r(370) = .615, p < .001. The findings support clearer patient navigation, plain-language information materials, stronger multi-agency referral systems, and continuing staff orientation.