China seeks cure for ailing health system

Aging nation, slowing economy force changes in medical insurance program

20230726 Caixin 2

Since the Urban Employee Medical Insurance System was set up in 1998, outpatient services have remained outside mutual account coverage.

ZHOU XINDA adn HAN WEI, Caixin

A long-sought restructuring of one of China's two national medical insurance programs is racing against the clock as the demands of an aging population drain the fund that provides health care for more than 360 million urban residents.

As of early July, all of China's 31 provincial-level authorities have revised rules for the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance System, the plan undergoing the changes that were proposed in 2020. The state-backed program is supported by a 3.5 trillion yuan ($487 billion) fund that is fueled by contributions collected from employers and the monthly salaries of workers.

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