Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the coverage and benefits of maternity insurance in China, emphasizing the inclusion of various employment categories and the support for flexible employment workers [1][2][3]. Group 1: Eligibility and Contributions - Maternity insurance covers employees of enterprises, with employers responsible for contributions, while employees do not pay [1]. - Flexible employment workers can participate in maternity insurance if they are also enrolled in basic medical insurance, with certain regions already implementing this [2]. - Unemployed individuals receiving unemployment benefits can also have their maternity insurance contributions covered by the unemployment insurance fund [5][6]. Group 2: Benefits and Coverage - Maternity insurance provides two main types of benefits: reimbursement for maternity medical expenses and maternity allowances during maternity leave [3]. - Covered medical expenses include prenatal check-ups, hospitalization for childbirth, and related medical costs, with reimbursement methods varying by region [4]. - The maternity allowance can be claimed after childbirth, with processing times typically within 10 working days [10]. Group 3: Application and Disbursement - The application for maternity allowance requires minimal documentation, primarily identification and medical records, with some regions having additional requirements [11]. - In some areas, maternity allowances are directly disbursed to individuals, while in others, they are sent to employers for distribution [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of maternity leave and the role of maternity insurance in providing financial support to female employees during their leave, clarifying that maternity benefits are funded by maternity insurance rather than the employer [1][2]. Summary by Sections Maternity Insurance and Benefits - Maternity insurance was established to alleviate the financial burden on female employees during maternity leave, ensuring they receive basic economic support while temporarily away from work [2]. - Since 2019, maternity insurance has been integrated with basic employee medical insurance, leading to an increase in participation rates, with 253 million people expected to be covered by 2024 [2]. Calculation of Maternity Benefits - Maternity benefits, referred to as maternity allowances, are calculated based on the average monthly salary of the employee's workplace from the previous year [4]. - For example, if an employee's salary is 5,000 yuan but the average salary at their workplace is 7,000 yuan, the maternity allowance will be based on the higher average salary [4]. - In 2024, the total expenditure on maternity insurance benefits is projected to be 143.1 billion yuan, with the average maternity allowance exceeding 26,000 yuan per insured female employee [4]. Distribution of Maternity Benefits - The distribution of maternity allowances varies by region; some areas provide the benefits directly to individuals, while others send them to employers who then distribute them [7]. - The National Healthcare Security Administration is promoting direct payments to individuals in eligible regions to enhance the experience and satisfaction of female employees [8]. - Currently, 10 provinces have implemented direct payments, and the government encourages other regions to follow suit while simplifying the application process [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the declining birth rates in various Chinese cities and the introduction of substantial fertility subsidies as a response to this demographic challenge, highlighting the effectiveness and potential impact of these policies on increasing birth rates [1][2][3]. Group 1: Birth Rate Trends - Hohhot's birth rate dropped from 6.85‰ to 5.58‰ in 2023, with deaths surpassing births for the first time, indicating a negative natural population growth [1]. - The city of Tianmen has seen a continuous decline in birth rates since 2016, but after implementing fertility subsidies in 2024, the birth rate increased by 17% compared to the previous year [2]. Group 2: Fertility Subsidy Policies - Hohhot introduced a comprehensive subsidy policy, offering 10,000 yuan for the first child, 50,000 yuan for the second child, and 100,000 yuan for the third child, with additional annual payments until the children reach certain ages [1]. - Tianmen's subsidy includes a one-time birth reward of 3,000 yuan, monthly child-rearing subsidies totaling 36,000 yuan, and housing subsidies that can exceed 220,000 yuan, significantly alleviating financial burdens for families [3]. Group 3: Types of Subsidies - Fertility subsidies differ from maternity allowances; the former incentivizes childbirth while the latter compensates for income loss during maternity leave [4][5]. - Various types of subsidies include one-time birth rewards, ongoing child-rearing subsidies, medical subsidies for prenatal care, and educational subsidies for preschool children [5]. Group 4: Economic Considerations - The average cost of raising a child in China is estimated at 540,000 yuan, with annual expenses around 30,000 yuan; Hohhot's subsidy can cover about 30% of these costs for families with three children [10]. - The disparity in subsidy effectiveness is highlighted by the varying costs of living in different cities, where the same subsidy amount can have vastly different impacts on families [23]. Group 5: International Comparisons - Countries like South Korea and Japan have faced similar demographic challenges, with South Korea's birth rate dropping to 0.72 in 2024, prompting urgent policy responses [14]. - Japan has been more effective in maintaining its birth rate through substantial government support, with cash subsidies significantly higher than those in South Korea [17][18]. Group 6: Lessons from Global Experiences - Successful fertility policies require timely and adequate financial support targeted at the right demographics, as demonstrated by France's early and robust interventions [18][20]. - The article emphasizes the importance of addressing both the financial and social barriers to childbirth, noting that different regions may require tailored approaches to effectively encourage higher birth rates [22].