Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing efforts to create a fertility-friendly society in China through various healthcare policies, particularly focusing on the direct payment of maternity benefits to female employees, which aims to alleviate financial burdens and enhance job security for women [3][4]. Summary by Sections Maternity Insurance and Benefits - Maternity insurance is one of the social insurance types in China, covering two main benefits: maternity medical expenses and maternity allowances, which are essentially paid during maternity leave [3]. - The average maternity allowance for female employees has exceeded 26,000 yuan, and it can be claimed without a marriage certificate [3][4]. Direct Payment Model - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) is promoting a direct payment model for maternity allowances, allowing funds to be deposited directly into the accounts of female employees, thus reducing the risk of delays or withholding by employers [4]. - As of November 1, 2023, 25 provinces, including Jiangsu and Liaoning, have implemented this direct payment model, covering nearly 90% of the regions [3][4]. Simplification of Claim Process - The NHSA has simplified the application process for maternity benefits, with most regions no longer requiring marriage certificates or other non-essential documents for claims [5]. - The primary documents needed now include an ID card or social security card and a medical diagnosis or discharge record [5]. Technological Advancements - Some regions have adopted "smart healthcare" systems, enabling a fully automated process for maternity allowance applications, allowing for real-time verification and direct payment without requiring physical visits [6]. Comprehensive Fertility Support System - The NHSA is working to establish a comprehensive fertility support system, enhancing medical expense coverage for childbirth and aiming for full reimbursement of maternity medical costs in several provinces [7]. - As of October 2023, all provinces have included assisted reproductive services in their insurance coverage, benefiting over 1 million individuals [7]. Future Directions - Despite progress in reducing economic burdens and enhancing medical service guarantees, challenges remain in addressing the concerns of young people regarding childbirth [7]. - Experts suggest that future fertility policies should engage with young adults to better understand their needs and work towards reducing the costs of raising children through coordinated multi-departmental efforts [7].

Core Insights - The article discusses the implementation of direct payment of maternity benefits to female employees in 25 provinces in China, addressing concerns about childbirth among young people [1][2] - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) is actively promoting a direct payment model for maternity benefits, which reduces the risk of delays or withholding by employers [2][4] Group 1: Maternity Benefits Policy - The average maternity allowance for female employees has exceeded 26,000 yuan, and it can be claimed without a marriage certificate [1][2] - As of November 1, 2023, 25 provinces, including Jiangsu and Liaoning, have implemented direct payment of maternity benefits to individuals, covering nearly 90% of the regions [1][2] Group 2: Simplification of Claim Process - The NHSA has simplified the application process for maternity benefits, with most regions no longer requiring a marriage certificate or other non-essential documents [2][4] - In some areas, mothers can experience "seamless application" for maternity benefits through automated systems, reducing the need for in-person visits [3][4] Group 3: Comprehensive Maternity Support - The NHSA is working to establish a comprehensive maternity support system, enhancing coverage for hospitalization and maternity medical expenses [4] - Seven provinces have achieved a model where childbirth incurs minimal costs, and all provinces have included assisted reproductive services in their insurance coverage [4]

Core Points - The national medical insurance bureau is accelerating the establishment of a comprehensive fertility protection system to support childbirth and child-rearing [1] - As of the end of October, all 31 provinces and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps have included assisted reproduction in medical insurance, benefiting over 1 million people [1] - 25 provinces have implemented direct payment of maternity benefits to individuals, enhancing convenience for insured female employees [2][3] Group 1: Maternity Insurance and Benefits - The maternity allowance, also known as "maternity pay," is funded by maternity insurance, ensuring income security for female employees during childbirth and maternity leave [3] - By June 2025, the number of people covered by maternity insurance reached 253 million, with an average maternity allowance exceeding 26,000 yuan per insured female employee in 2024 [3] - Seven provinces have achieved a model where childbirth incurs minimal out-of-pocket expenses, with reports of individuals spending as little as 3.7 yuan for hospital delivery [4] Group 2: Direct Payment and Accessibility - The transition to direct payment of maternity benefits has streamlined the application process, eliminating the need for additional documents like marriage and birth certificates [3] - In Xiangtan, Hunan Province, the maternity allowance will be directly deposited into personal accounts starting January 2025, reducing processing time from 20 to 7 working days [2] - The implementation of real-time reimbursement policies for newborns has significantly eased financial burdens for new parents [4] Group 3: Inclusive Coverage - Flexible employment insurance participants will also enjoy equal maternity benefits starting November 1, 2025, ensuring broader access to maternity care [5] - The integration of medical and educational services for infants is being promoted, with cities like Meishan in Sichuan establishing public childcare institutions that combine health care and early childhood education [6]

Core Points - The National Medical Insurance Administration is accelerating the establishment of a comprehensive maternity insurance system to support childbirth and child-rearing [1][3] - As of the end of October, all 31 provinces and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps have included assisted reproduction in medical insurance, benefiting over 1 million people [1] - The direct payment of maternity benefits to individuals has been implemented in 25 provinces, enhancing convenience for insured female employees [3][11] Group 1: Maternity Insurance System - The maternity insurance system now includes flexible employment workers, migrant workers, and new employment forms, with a focus on improving prenatal care benefits [1][3] - The average maternity benefit for insured female employees is over 26,000 yuan as of 2024 [13] - Seven provinces have achieved a model where childbirth incurs minimal costs for families [14] Group 2: Direct Payment of Maternity Benefits - The direct payment of maternity benefits to individuals has streamlined the process, reducing the need for additional documentation such as marriage and birth certificates [11][13] - In Xiangtan, the maternity benefit process has been expedited from 20 working days to 7 working days, with 2,500 female employees benefiting from this service in 2025 [7][9] - The direct payment system helps alleviate financial pressure on new parents and prevents employers from delaying or withholding benefits [9][11] Group 3: Childcare and Health Services - The development of a childcare service system has increased the number of childcare spots for children under three years old from 1.8 to over 4 per thousand population [23] - Sichuan's Meishan has established public childcare institutions that integrate medical and educational services for infants [25] - The integration of traditional Chinese medicine into childcare practices is being implemented in various childcare centers [26]