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Measuring Socioeconomic Inequality in Health, Health Care and Health Financing by Means of Rank-Dependent Indices: A Recipe for Good Practice

Author

Listed:
  • Guido Erreygers

    (University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Tom Van Ourti

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam, and NETSPAR)

Abstract
This discussion paper led to a publication in 'Journal of Health Economics' , 30(4), 685-94. The tools to be used and other choices to be made when measuring socioeconomic inequalities with rank-dependent inequality indices have recently been debated in this journal. This paper adds to this debate by stressing the importance of the measurement scale, by providing formal proofs of several issues in the debate, and by lifting the curtain on the confusing debate between adherents of absolute versus relative health differences. We end this paper with a "matrix" that provides guidelines on the usefulness of several rank-dependent inequality indices under varying circumstances

Suggested Citation

  • Guido Erreygers & Tom Van Ourti, 2010. "Measuring Socioeconomic Inequality in Health, Health Care and Health Financing by Means of Rank-Dependent Indices: A Recipe for Good Practice," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 10-076/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20100076
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Health inequality; Socioeconomic inequality; Concentration Index;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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