Abstract
With an increasing number of persons with disabilities, the government should provide them with
decent services that meet their needs. One of the crucial services is the provision of assistive devices. The
problem of accessing to the service in Thailand is caused by the inequity of the benefit package provided
by the public health insurance schemes, which can lead to a number of adverse consequences. This study
used qualitative methodology, including review of literature, reports, and other documents that are related
to assistive devices service of the public health insurance schemes in Thailand and other organizations,
to determine the difference of the schemes’ assistive devices benefits. It was found that the different
definitions of person with disabilities for each scheme led to different benefits. In addition, the number
and type of assistive devices and reimbursement methods were different and created financial burden to
persons with disabilities, especially for the scheme that required advanced payment. Furthermore, the
different assistive devices covered in each scheme could prevent disabled persons with certain disabilities
not access to essential medical devices. The integration of benefits and services for persons with disabilities
of these public health insurance schemes is needed in order to reduce inequity problems among them
and make most efficient resource use.
