Work

The Association of Outpatient Cost-Sharing Policy with Health and Economic Outcomes for Rural Children in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Under the urban–rural dual structure, rural children’s health security faces multiple challenges. These stem from geographical disadvantages, inadequate resources, and systemic flaws in medical insurance design. The outpatient cost-sharing policy is a key design to address these issues. Methods: Using data from the 2018 China Household Income Project (CHIP), this study employs Propensity Score Matching, Ordered Probit, Logit, and a Two-Part Model to examine the association between the policy and the health and economic outcomes of rural children. Conclusions: The results show that the policy is significantly associated with better child health scores and a higher probability of reimbursement. These positive associations appear to be connected to three potential factors: higher use of outpatient services, better mother’s health, and greater school-related food and accommodation expenses. In contrast to adult populations, no significant substitution between outpatient and inpatient services was observed for children, suggesting the non-discretionary and rigid nature of pediatric hospitalization decisions. This research provides robust empirical evidence for the policy’s potential benefits, offering important implications for optimizing the child medical security system.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14010063

Authors: Chen Wu, Lixiong Yang

Institution: Renmin University of China

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Systems and Reforms

Subfield: Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258