Utilization of Rehabilitation Services by Disabled People under the Iranian Health Insurance Organization

People with disabilities have greater unmet needs and need health care. These people are acknowledged as a global development priority. This study aimed to investigate the utilization of rehabilitation services by people with disabilities covered by the Iran Health Insurance Organization.

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study at the national level. A total of 3676 out of 315,626 insured people with disabilities covered by the Iran Health Insurance Organization were selected from all provinces of the country using a simple random sampling method proportional to the size of the insured population.

A total of 53% of people reported needing rehabilitation services in 2021. Of those requiring rehabilitation services, 51% required physical therapy, 50% occupational therapy, 22% speech therapy, 19% optometry, 13% audiometry, and less than 1% orthotics and prosthetics. Also, only 41% of people who needed rehabilitation services received them. The main reasons for not receiving needed services were financial inability to pay for treatment (76%), physical inability to follow treatment (16%), and the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (8%).

The inability to pay fees emerged as the most significant barrier to receiving essential rehabilitation services. Enhancing the financial coverage provided by basic health insurance funds is crucial. Expanding coverage will enable more patients to utilize the rehabilitation services they need, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to vital care. This policy adjustment could be key in increasing the utilization of rehabilitation services and improving overall health outcomes for those in need.