The Chinese mainland is making waves in healthcare innovation by streamlining cross-regional payment mechanisms. With the new initiative, 77% of coordinated regions – spanning provinces, municipalities, and counties – now enjoy instant settlement of basic medical insurance funds for over 361,800 designated medical institutions. This means quicker payments for hospitals and easier access to care for patients.
Launched by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) in January 2025, the overhaul has already disbursed more than 300.1 billion yuan ($41.7 billion) in medical insurance funds. Flexible management schedules, whether weekly or monthly, are ensuring a stable cash flow and reducing the financial strain on healthcare providers while making sure insured patients receive timely services.
This reform not only simplifies the administrative side of healthcare but also demonstrates how smart policy changes can have a real-world impact on access to quality care. It's a win for both those delivering care and those in need of it—making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. 😊
Reference(s):
China enhances medical services with cross-regional payment reforms
cgtn.com
