Accessibility and Utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program in Achieving Uhc in Makueni County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of accessibility on the utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program (MCIP) in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Makueni County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was employed. The study targeted 128 hospital administrators and departmental heads, 333 healthcare providers across 16 public hospitals, and 132,500 program users. Using the Yamane formula, a sample of 45 administrators and departmental heads, and 99 healthcare providers was selected. In addition, purposive sampling was used to select 40 beneficiaries from each of four public health facilities: Makueni County Referral Hospital, Kalawa Sub-County Hospital, Makindu Sub-County Hospital, and Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires designed for program beneficiaries, administrators, and healthcare providers. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26), and a linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between accessibility and the utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program (MCIP). The results showed that accessibility influenced the utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program (MCIP) (β = 0.167; p-value = 0.001). To enhance MCIP utilization and advance UHC in Makueni County, improve geographical accessibility, increase community enrollment through sensitization, and reduce waiting times by streamlining services and staffing. These steps will strengthen accessibility and drive higher program participation.