NPC considers revision of medical insurance law

Chinese lawmakers are mulling over a draft revision for the medical insurance law that would improve the nation's basic healthcare insurance system and strengthen safeguards for access to medical services.

Highlights of the draft include boosting coverage for gig workers, adjusting reimbursement range at times of acute disease outbreaks and strengthening supervision over fund management.

The draft was submitted to a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for first review on Tuesday.

Zhang Ke, director of the National Healthcare Security Administration, said that China has been pushing for reforms in its medical insurance system in recent years. The draft law is being considered to solidify reform outcomes and integrate fragmented rules and regulations.

"The draft establishes a dedicated chapter that systematically outlines the framework of the healthcare security system," he said. "Specifically, it provides clear provisions regarding coverage scope, financing mechanisms and benefits for three well-established insurance programs that are employee insurance plans, residents insurance and maternity insurance."

Regarding immature programs, including those offering large-volume medical expense assistance for employees and critical illness insurance, the draft authorizes local authorities to formulate specific implementation measures.

The draft also states that self-employed individuals and part-time workers, as well as gig workers such as ride-hailing drivers and food delivery workers, are encouraged to participate in the basic employee insurance program.

"The nation will also expand coverage of maternity insurance and gradually include flexible workers enrolled in the basic program," it says.

To incorporate experiences gained during previous battles against infectious epidemics, the draft states that the top healthcare insurance authority can propose modifying the scope of insurance reimbursement policies alongside other government departments.

Zhang added that the draft emphasizes stepping up oversight over insurance fund management, such as mobilizing lawmakers, government agencies and the public to roll out supervisory and whistle-blowing channels.

"Comprehensive measures, including fines, suspension of medical services involving fund usage, and termination of service agreements should be taken to strengthen penalties for illegal activities," he said.

By the end of 2024, China's basic medical insurance program had covered nearly 1.33 billion people, with a long-standing participation rate of 95 percent, according to the administration.

The number of people enrolled in the maternity insurance program grew by 3.9 million year-on-year to 253 million by the end of last year.