新华社：医保卡变“购物卡” 此风当刹！

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the misuse of medical insurance personal accounts, where everyday products are rebranded as medical devices to exploit insurance funds, threatening the integrity of healthcare financing [1][4][9]. Group 1: Misuse of Medical Insurance Funds - Everyday items like toothbrushes and face masks are being marketed as medical devices, allowing them to be purchased with medical insurance cards, which undermines the intended purpose of these funds [1][4]. - Some pharmacies have previously sold non-medical items alongside medications, encouraging customers to use their insurance cards for these purchases, often charging additional fees [2][4]. - The practice of rebranding everyday products as medical devices has led to inflated prices, with items that cost a few yuan being sold for several dozen yuan in pharmacies [4][5]. Group 2: Regulatory and Systemic Issues - The 2021 guidelines from the State Council aimed to ensure that personal accounts could only be used for necessary medical expenses, but loopholes have been exploited by some businesses [6][8]. - Certain companies have collaborated with pharmacies to sell low-value medical products at high prices, misleading consumers into using their insurance for these purchases [6][8]. - There is a need for clearer definitions and stricter regulations regarding what constitutes a medical device to prevent everyday items from being misclassified [9][12]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Strengthening the regulatory framework and revising the medical device classification directory is essential to prevent the inclusion of non-medical items in the insurance system [9][12]. - Exploring new uses for medical insurance funds, such as for routine health checks and vaccinations, could enhance the effectiveness of these funds in supporting public health [9][12]. - Encouraging a culture of integrity among insurance cardholders is crucial to combat the misuse of medical insurance funds and ensure that they are used appropriately for healthcare needs [12].