The UCS, with its overarching goal of an equitable entitlement to health care
for all Thais, has three defining features: a tax-financed scheme that provides
services free of charge (initially, a small copayment of 30 baht or US$ 0.70 per
visit or admission was enforced, but this was terminated in 2006); a comprehensive
benefits package with a primary care focus, including disease prevention
and health promotion; and a fixed budget with caps on provider payments
to control costs. A number of mechanisms have been set up to protect UCS
beneficiaries, such as an information hotline, a patient complaints service, a no-fault
compensation fund and tougher hospital accreditation requirements.