A revision in the Chinese medical insurance law to improve the nation's basic healthcare system is likely to happen soon according to a news item posted on the website of The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China.
The news item said a draft of the revisions was submitted to a session of the standing committee of China’s National People’s Congress for its first review earlier this month.
The draft revisions focus on boosting coverage for gig workers, adjusting reimbursement range at times of acute disease outbreaks and strengthening supervision over fund management. The draft law is also expected to solidify reform outcomes and integrate fragmented rules and regulations.
National Healthcare Security Administration director Zhang Ke said that China has been pushing for reforms in its medical insurance system in recent years.
Mr Zhang said, "The draft establishes a dedicated chapter that systematically outlines the framework of the healthcare security system. Specifically, it provides clear provisions regarding coverage scope, financing mechanisms and benefits for three well-established insurance programmes that are employee insurance plans, residents insurance and maternity insurance."
In the draft there are provisions for participation of self-employed individuals and part-time workers, as well as gig workers such as ride-hailing drivers and food delivery workers in the basic employee insurance programme.
The NHSA director said, "The nation will also expand coverage of maternity insurance and gradually include flexible workers enrolled in the basic programme.”
The draft regulation provides for the top healthcare insurance authority to propose modifying the scope of insurance reimbursement policies alongside other government departments.
Mr Zhang said the draft also tightens its oversight over insurance fund management. It plans to mobilise lawmakers, government agencies and the public to roll out supervisory and whistle-blowing channels.
According to NHSA by the end of 2024, China's basic medical insurance programme had covered nearly 1.33bn people, with a long-standing participation rate of 95% and the number of people enrolled in the maternity insurance programme grew by 3.9m year-on-year to 253m.