The study explores the relationship between green taxation, public health expenditures, and life expectancy in China. It employs fixed-effect and system GMM regression models, revealing that green taxation positively influences life expectancy. Additionally, public health expenditures play a significant moderating role in this relationship. The results indicate that higher costs of pollution incentivize the transition to less harmful alternatives, thus enhancing public health. These findings contribute valuable insights to environmental and health economics and highlight new research opportunities for academics and policymakers.