China’s State Council has introduced new guidelines to encourage long-term participation in the nation’s basic medical insurance program, aiming to enhance healthcare coverage and ensure the stable operation of medical insurance funds.
According to the guidelines released by the General Office of the State Council, individuals already covered by the basic medical insurance—which currently insures over 1.334 billion people, accounting for more than 95% of the population—are encouraged to continue their participation without interruption.
Starting in 2025, those who have continuously participated in the program for four years will receive annual incentives for each additional year of uninterrupted coverage. Specifically, participants can look forward to a yearly increase of at least 1,000 yuan (approximately $140) in their maximum insurance payout limit for major illnesses.
Moreover, beginning next year, participants who do not make any medical insurance fund reimbursements throughout the year will see an increase of at least 1,000 yuan ($140) in their maximum payout limit for major illnesses in the following year.
However, the guidelines also stipulate that from 2025, individuals who have previously discontinued their participation in the basic medical insurance program will face a waiting period of at least three months after resuming coverage before they can access reimbursement benefits.
Fan Weidong, an official with the National Healthcare Security Administration, emphasized at a press conference that these policies are designed to protect the interests of all participants and maintain the stability of the medical insurance funds. “Encouraging long-term participation ensures that the system remains robust and equitable for everyone involved,” Fan stated.
The new guidelines were adopted during a State Council executive meeting in June, reflecting China’s ongoing commitment to improving its healthcare system and providing better medical security for its people.
Reference(s):
China encourages participation in long-term basic medical insurance
cgtn.com
