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India has witnessed a wave of Government funded health insurance (GFHIs) schemes in the last decade to take steps towards achieving universal health coverage. The country is also experiencing a rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes driven by increased incidence among low-income groups. This poses a health and economic risks on the more vulnerable sections of society. This study aims to evaluate the YSR Aarogyasri scheme in Andhra Pradesh for eligible diabetic individuals in the state. This choice was motivated by the high coverage as well as high prevalence of diabetes in the state. The scheme was evaluated with respect to out-of-pocket expenditure, health access and biological outcomes. The study site was narrowed to two subsites in Vishakhapatnam and 92 individuals were chosen in the final sample. Multivariate regression analysis is carried out to model the observable factors influencing outcomes of the sample. Using the propensity score matching technique of impact evaluation, the Average treatment on treated (ATT) was determined for each outcome. The results yielded that the YSR Aarogyasri scheme is attributed to reducing OOPE by INR 14,140. The scheme is also attributed to an increase in the probability of an individual maintaining normal blood sugar levels to the extent of 17.8%. The scheme had no significant effect on frequency of blood glucose monitoring or other diagnostic tests.
Key Words: Diabetes, Aarogyari, Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure, Non-Communicable Disease, Biological Outcomes, Impact Evaluation
