The Effects of Social Health Insurance Reform on Peoples Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure in China

Focusing on the intricate dynamics of social health insurance in China, this study explores how institutional arrangements impact out-of-pocket expenditures. It employs a new institutionalist approach, analyzing mechanisms of SHI and interactions among stakeholders such as agencies, healthcare providers, and patients. The findings highlight the inefficacy of SHI in reducing costs due to trade-offs in reimbursement and management strategies, as well as inequitable resource allocation. This comprehensive overview aids scholars and policymakers in understanding SHI reforms and suggests a single-payer model for improved efficiency.