Minimizing the Risk of Catastrophic Health Expenditure in China: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Vulnerable Groups

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.689809
• Publication Date: 2021-08-06T07:14:38Z
• Authors: Jiahui Wang; Xiao Tan; Xinye Qi; Xin Zhang; Huan Liu; Kexin Wang; Shengchao Jiang; Qiao Xu; Nan Meng; Peiwen Chen; Ye Li; Zheng Kang; Qunhong Wu; Linghan Shan; Daniel Adjei Ampo...; Bykov Ilia
• Keywords: China; Family Characteristics; Insurance, Health; catastrophic health expenditure; 1. No poverty; universal health coverage; State Medicine; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female; Public Health; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Health Expenditures; financial protection; insurance; Aged

Background: In moving toward universal health coverage in China, it is crucial to identify which populations should be prioritized for interventions rather than blindly increasing welfare packages or capital investments. We the characteristics of vulnerable groups from multiple perspectives through estimating catastrophic expenditure (CHE) and recommend intervention priorities. Methods: Data were National Health Service Survey conducted 2003, 2008, 2013. According recommendation WHO, this study adopted 40% as CHE threshold. A binary regression was used determinants occurrence; a probit model obtain standardized incidence under single two dimensions Results: The total 2013 13.9%, shows general trend growth 2003 Families western central regions rural areas more at risk. Factors related social demography show that households with female an unmarried head household low socioeconomic status likely experience CHE. Households older adults aged 60 above had 1,524 times higher likelihood experiencing Among insurance schemes, participants covered by New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme highest risk compared all basic schemes. several members seeking outpatient, inpatient care non-communicable diseases not seeing doctor hospitalized despite need Characteristics such status, having family members, ranked high. Meanwhile, combination illiterate heads being other plans none first place. Cancer notably caused relatively high medical among Conclusion: considering vulnerability population across different conducive alleviation Furthermore, people vulnerabilities intervention. Identifying targeting them offer help support will effective approach.