A Localized Model for Sustainable Financing in Iranian Health Insurance Organization: A Resilient-Economy-Based Approach

The Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) was established to develop the Iran Health Insurance Sector. Currently, this organization lacks the adequate funding and faces challenges in providing the required resources due to the imposed unilateral sanctions; therefore, it is necessary that this organization take proper measures within the framework of state policies regarding the resilience economy in order to finance itself and cover more population in accordance with the Iranian operating laws. The objective of the present study was to propose a financing model for the IHIO based on the resilience economy.

This was a qualitative study based on the Grounded Theory (GT), and the data were collected from framework documents, open and in-depth interviews, and a review of the lectures given by 31 experts. The validity was first examined by the interviewees and then approved by the experienced professors. The reliability was determined to be 73% via process auditing. The data were analyzed through a GT-based methodology and constant comparison over three stages of open, axial, and selective codings.

The examination of the qualitative date revealed that there are many factors in action in the IHIO’s financing process and this organization needs to review and revise its structure and methodology. Taking into consideration the current sanctions and lack of funds, the IHIO should change the following seven components within the framework of notified resilience economy policies: organizational management, financial management, research, structural change, cultural revision, and regulatory procedures.

 There has been a remarkable increase in the IHIO’s insured parties recently, and more people have been receiving healthcare services. Thus, it is highly essential to propose a model to change the IHIO’s approach towards commercialization and make it produce more revenues and finance in accordance with the current economic situation in Iran.