- The present study focuses on the health expenditure of Greek households over the period 2004-2005. The analysis is based on the latest wave of the Household Expenditure Survey of the National Statistical Service of Greece.
- For the first time, poor and rich household private and public health expenditure patters are identified and analyzed.
- Households with mild economic distress i.e., homeowners that own their prime residence and do not have to pay a mortgage, spend more for health than those who pay a mortgage. This is regardless of the public or private nature of health expenditure.
- Poor households spend for health when it becomes more sensitive due to ageing. In contrast, the relatively wealthier households can afford to spend for health at a younger age.