Convergence of health expenditure and health outcomes in Central Europe and the Baltic region

ENThis research work examines the convergence of health expenditure in Central Europe and the Baltic region. The study reveals the absolute convergence in per capita health expenditures, indicating similar health outcomes for all eleven countries of the region. However, there is a divergence in health expenditure and outcomes across the eleven countries. Notably, public health expenditure diverges in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and Norway, while, private health expen diture converges in Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Despite an overall convergence in life expectancy at birth across the countries, mortality rates due to non-communicable diseases only converge in Estonia. Keywords: Baltic countries; convergence; health expenditure; health outcomes.