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Estimating Effects of Health Insurance Coverage on Medical Service Utilization and Health in Rural China

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  • Yiqiu, Wang
  • Maria, Porter
  • Songqing, Jin

Abstract

This research estimates the impact of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS), a public health insurance program in rural China, on health service use, healthcare costs, and health outcomes. Using difference-in-difference and propensity score matching methods, we address county and household selection bias with panel data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. By comparing various methods used in prior studies of NCMS to define treatment and comparison groups, we find evidence of county selection bias. Taking a new sampling approach after controlling for county selection issues, we find that while NCMS does not improve health, use of both preventive services and township hospitals increases, as do costs for treating the common cold. In particular, we find that relatively vulnerable households – those with lower incomes and older members participating in NCMS–travel greater distances to access healthcare services, incurring higher travel and treatment costs, yet with no measurable health benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Yiqiu, Wang & Maria, Porter & Songqing, Jin, 2016. "Estimating Effects of Health Insurance Coverage on Medical Service Utilization and Health in Rural China," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 235470, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea16:235470
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.235470
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Deshui Zhou & Lanyan Cheng & Hainan Wu, 2022. "The Impact of Public Health Education on Migrant Workers’ Medical Service Utilization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-15, November.

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