기후변화 및 미세먼지가 병원 의료비 지출에 미치는 영향 분석

Abstract

Purpose: In addition to climate change, air pollutants including particulate matter in the atmosphere are closely related to people’s health and disease. This study tried to analyze the effects of climate change factors and particulate matter on personal medical expenses using data from the Korea Medical Panel. Research design, data, and methodology: For the empirical analysis, data from the Korea Medical Panel Survey from 2009 to 2017 were used. The effect of major climate change factors including particulate matter on individual medical expenses was analyzed. In addition, a multilevel mixed-effect Tobit model was applied as a model for estimating personal medical expenses, and individual and national medical expenses were estimated for each particulate matter increase scenario. Results: As results of empirical analysis, the amount of sunshine showed a weak negative significance in some models, and it was found that the higher the amount of sunshine, the lower the medical cost. Medical expenses per unit (μg/m3) of particulate matter(PM10) increased by about 2,479 KRW (based on model 4). In each RCP scenario, personal medical expenses due to the rise in average temperature were found to be about 1,817 to 6,581 KRW in 2030 and 3,228 to 6,575 KRW in 2050. Implications: Social investment to reduce climate change or particulate matter concentrations in the future has a positive effect on the reduction of personal medical expenses, so it is expected that related investments at the government level can improve national health and reduce medical expenses. Accordingly, it will be most important for the government to prepare and implement active measures for the common benefit of promoting public health along with responding to climate change such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.