China never had free healthcare before its market reforms
The perception of a universal "free" medical care system in China's planned economy era is largely a myth, as most urban healthcare costs were covered by state employers while rural populations had almost no insurance or access to medical resources. Government surveys...
Over 90% of China’s village clinics covered by basic medical insurance
Over 90% of village clinics in China are covered by basic medical insurance, with the government investing in upgrades and aiming to enhance grassroots healthcare by 2027 through integration and the use of artificial intelligence. More than 90% of village clinics in...
High Medical Bills Pose Threat to China’s Economy and Consumer Spending
Globally, China’s rate of catastrophic health spending is among the highest, far exceeding the 13.2% average recorded in 2017. By comparison, Russia and Malaysia, two countries with similar per-capita GDP, reported rates of 7.7% and 1.5%, respectively.Across China,...
China to expand basic medical insurance coverage for newborn children
China has initiated a campaign to extend basic medical insurance coverage to cover medical expense of newborns.According to Xinhua, Chinese authorities have issued a circular announcing the launch of this campaign on March 2, with the goal of expanding basic medical...
With a budget deficit, Hong Kong needs to optimise healthcare spending
Hong Kong should focus on strategic purchasing to boost primary healthcare to tackle the budget deficit in healthcare says a news report by the South China Morning Post. The article advocates for a reimagining of healthcare financing in Hong Kong, emphasizing the...
China has introduced Covid-19 vaccine insurance to increase vaccine coverage among the older population
To boost vaccination coverage among older citizens, the COVID vaccine insurance for COVID-19 vaccination side effects has been introduced in China. This insurance has been covered by the city’s fiscal department. Financial compensation up to 500,000 Yuan...
China increases accessibility to rare disease treatment
China moves closer to the dream of Universal Health Coverage by improving the access to rare disease treatment by inclusion of rare disease medicines in the medicare reimbursement list. The National Medical Product Administration prioritizes the rare disease...
China plans to improve elderly care services nationwide in 2023
A rise of population ageing leads to increase medical and care needs among older population in China. Local governments will start to pilot programmes next year to improve medical and care services for the elderly, with the goal of rolling out the scheme...
Casual workers clamor for better insurance coverage
The lackluster insurance coverage of casual workers attracted the attention of Premier Li Keqiang during the annual gathering of the nation's highest legislative body in March. Without work injury insurance, casual workers who suffer injuries face an uphill...
Medical insurance to be expanded for family use
China has expanded medical insurance accounts to cover their immediate family members: spouses, parents, and children. They will be able to use the personal account of the insured. Previously, only insured employees can use their personal accounts to...
Reforming public hospital financing in China: progress and challenges
In 2019, Chinese researchers described the effects of the financing reforms of public hospitals and suggests steps to further progress towards equitable, efficient, and good quality care by reviewing China's health system financing reform over 10 years. Key messages:...
Health financing and integration of urban and rural residents’ basic medical insurance systems in China
China is in the process of integrating the new cooperative medical scheme (NCMS) and the urban residents’ basic medical insurance system (URBMI) into the urban and rural residents’ basic medical insurance system (URRBMI). However, how to integrate the financing...