JME volume 51 issue S1 Cover and Front matter

Results: There is evidence of persistent inequalities in household financial protection of health and drugs spending in Latin America. Despite the expansion of coverage, strong inequalities persist in access to health and family spending on drugs in the region. Out-of-pocket spending in medicines is regressive in greater need for affordable medicines. This implies not only better logistics for the acquisition and purchase of medicines but also the creation of mechanisms to improve access through broader insurance coverage and fiscal transfers, to reduce expenses with medicines of the most vulnerable and poor populations.