The study aims to assess benefits of a targeted health microinsurance program in Vietnam, namely the Health Care for the Poor Program, using household survey data 2004-2006-2008. Based on both parametric and non-parametric approaches, the study empirically examines: 1) whether the program improves health seeking behaviors of the poor with respect to access to health care, out-of-pocket health spending, and preventive care behaviors; 2) whether the program reduces the health risk exposure of the poor through lowering the chance of assets depletion and of falling into severe debt when confronted with a health shock, and 3) how the program’s effects can be identified as intended effects due to the program participation and spillover effects due to the coverage of the program in the community of residence.
