Core Insights - The healthcare system in China is undergoing significant reforms in 2025, impacting 1.45 billion insured individuals and marking a new phase in the basic medical security system [1] - The core of the reform focuses on optimizing resource allocation to ensure that limited funds benefit those in genuine need, especially in light of the immense pressure on the medical insurance fund [3] Financial Overview - In 2024, the total expenditure of the national medical insurance fund reached 3.2 trillion yuan, an increase of 8.7% year-on-year, while revenue growth was only 6.2%, leading to a substantial funding gap [3] - The new regulations aim to prioritize essential medical services to maintain the long-term stability of the medical insurance fund [3] Key Regulatory Changes - Certain expenses, such as those for special outpatient services and special wards, will no longer be reimbursed, with costs in Beijing for special outpatient services ranging from 300 to 800 yuan, significantly higher than the average outpatient fee of 114 yuan [3] - Non-disease-related medical services, including cosmetic surgeries, are excluded from reimbursement, with the medical beauty market in China reaching 370 billion yuan in 2024, growing at an annual rate of over 15% [3] Specific Cost Restrictions - The reimbursement rate for non-essential drugs has been significantly reduced, with only 2,960 essential drugs fully covered, representing 8.2% of all marketed drugs, impacting chronic disease patients [5] - Non-emergency transfer costs are also restricted, with a 32% unreasonable referral rate in 2024 leading to approximately 25 billion yuan in losses for the insurance fund [5] - Repeated examinations using large medical equipment within 30 days will not be reimbursed after the first instance, with these costs accounting for 7.6% of total insurance expenditures in 2024 [5] Hospitalization and Medical Supplies - Different diseases will have set reasonable hospitalization days, with a 5% reduction in reimbursement for each additional day beyond the limit, aimed at improving resource utilization [7] - High-cost medical supplies will only have basic models fully reimbursed, with patients responsible for the price difference for advanced models, such as a 40% reimbursement for imported knee joint prosthetics [7] Compliance and Awareness - Stricter penalties for fraudulent activities will be implemented, with fines exceeding five times the amount involved, and a blacklist system introduced [5] - Increased awareness of the new regulations among insured individuals can lead to an 8% reduction in unreasonable medical expenditures for every 10% increase in policy knowledge [5] Long-term Outlook - By 2025, the per capita expenditure on the medical insurance fund is projected to be 2,350 yuan, indicating a gap compared to developed countries [8] - The reform aims to optimize resource allocation to ensure more individuals receive necessary medical services, requiring collaboration among the government, medical institutions, and insured individuals for a sustainable healthcare system [8]

Core Viewpoint - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has released the "2024 National Medical Security Development Statistical Bulletin," indicating a stable growth in basic medical insurance coverage and a focus on improving service quality and fund management [2][4]. Group 1: Basic Medical Insurance Coverage - As of the end of 2024, approximately 1.327 billion people are enrolled in basic medical insurance in China, maintaining a coverage rate of 95% [4][5]. - The number of employees covered by medical insurance has increased to 379 million, reflecting a 2.3% growth compared to the previous year [5]. Group 2: Fund Revenue and Expenditure - The total revenue and expenditure of the national basic medical insurance fund (including maternity insurance) for 2024 are projected to be approximately CNY 3.49 trillion and CNY 2.98 trillion, respectively [4]. - The employee medical insurance fund revenue is estimated at CNY 2.373 trillion, a 3.5% increase year-on-year, while expenditures are expected to reach CNY 1.910 trillion, marking a 7.6% increase [7][11]. Group 3: Medical Treatment and Benefits - The number of treatment beneficiaries under employee medical insurance is projected to reach 5.308 billion in 2024, a 9.9% increase from the previous year [13]. - The average hospitalization cost for employee medical insurance participants is estimated at CNY 11,707, with varying costs across different levels of medical institutions [15][18]. Group 4: Resident Medical Insurance - By the end of 2024, the number of participants in urban and rural resident medical insurance is expected to reach approximately 947 million [20]. - The revenue for resident medical insurance is projected to be CNY 1.118 trillion, with expenditures of CNY 1.066 trillion, resulting in a cumulative balance of CNY 818.3 billion [21]. Group 5: Maternity Insurance - The number of participants in maternity insurance is expected to reach 25.3 million in 2024, with a 30.2% increase in the number of beneficiaries enjoying maternity benefits [32]. - Maternity insurance fund expenditures are projected to be CNY 140.293 billion, reflecting a 19.2% increase from the previous year [32]. Group 6: Medical Assistance - In 2024, medical assistance expenditures are expected to reach CNY 79.232 billion, providing support to approximately 79.16 million people participating in basic medical insurance [34]. - The average assistance for hospitalization and outpatient services is projected to be CNY 1,254 and CNY 92, respectively [34]. Group 7: Drug and Medical Supply Management - The 2024 National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List includes 3,159 drugs, with 91 new additions this year [38]. - The implementation of centralized procurement for drugs and high-value medical consumables continues, with 62 drugs included in the latest round of procurement [43]. Group 8: Cross-Region Medical Services - In 2024, the total number of cross-region medical visits is expected to reach 397 million, with associated costs of CNY 786.774 billion [44]. - Employee medical insurance accounts for 262 million of these visits, while resident medical insurance accounts for 134 million [44].