Financing assistive technology-Policy options on the path towards universal health coverage

Supporting functional ability in everyday life is essential for advancing toward universal health coverage (UHC). However, of the estimated 2.5 billion people in need of assistive technology (AT) globally, the vast majority do not have access. The main reason for this is financial barriers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to identify financing policy options for increasing access to affordable AT. The UHC concept, more specifically the three coverage dimensions-population, interventions (products and services), and costs, is used to descriptively analyze gaps in coverage related to affordability. The advantages and disadvantages of commonly practiced policy options, supported by global evidence, are explained and illustrated with country examples, resulting in structured guidance for both governmental and non-governmental policy stakeholders. When countries prioritize more strategically across the three coverage dimensions, financial resources can be targeted more effectively and have a greater impact. In addition, transparency about public financial commitments makes it easier for the non-government sector to contribute. Hence, public financing for AT is not only about raising more much-needed funds. There are also opportunities to increase access by designing publicly funded coverage transparently and guide the large non-governmental sector to be more effective in covering gaps.