Table 1 Features of the NCMS
NCMS | |
|---|---|
Date started | 2003 (Pilot scheme was initiated in four provinces) |
Enrollment | Voluntary at household level |
Coverage | 94.3% in 2009 |
Guideline | General guidelines are issued by the central government, local governments retain considerable discretion over the details |
Administration | County government sets the reimbursement rate, ceilings, medical saving account, etc. |
Risk pooling | County level |
Target population | Rural residents (840 million) |
Financing mechanism | In the western and central China, the central government assisted the local government in providing financing for the scheme. In the more affluent eastern and coastal region, financing the premium was mainly through local government. |
Designated health facilities | All levels of health facilities |
Covered services | Inpatient series, catastrophic outpatient services, some prevention care services |