According to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), China’s basic medical insurance program maintains a steady coverage rate exceeding 95%, indicating continual enhancement in system quality.
NHSA data spanning from 2003 to 2023 reveal a notable increase in government contributions to basic medical insurance for rural and non-working urban residents compared to personal contributions. This amplifies support for low-income households and individuals in need, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency.
For instance, a resident insured continuously from 2003 to 2023 would have made a personal contribution of CNY2,640 ($372), constituting approximately 30% of the total premium.
Over the years, the medical insurance catalogue has expanded to encompass 744 drugs, with over 80% of innovative drugs becoming eligible within two years of market entry.
Presently, the reimbursement rate for inpatient medical expenses covered by basic medical insurance for rural and non-working urban residents stands at about 70%.
In 2023, individual contributions amounted to CNY349.7 billion of the total premium for basic medical insurance for rural and non-working urban residents, while government subsidies nearly reached CNY697.8 billion. This reflects an increase from the CNY600 billion government subsidies recorded in 2022. The proportion of the population covered by basic health insurance was estimated to be around 95%.
