Special feature: Health financing systems and budget formulation for health

One of the key characteristics of health systems in LAC countries is their fragmentation, both in terms of service delivery, and in terms of financing. Most countries in LAC have at least two and up to four different health financing schemes. Some countries rely more on a public system funded through government budget revenues, while others depend on social or mandatory health insurance schemes with private or public administrators. Voluntary private insurers also have a strong presence in the region, but the population covered through this system is very small and generally has high income levels.