Health insurance of rural/township schoolchildren in Pinggu, Beijing: coverage rate, determinants, disparities, and sustainability
2008

Health Insurance for Schoolchildren in Pinggu, Beijing

Sample size: 494 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhu Jane M, Zhu Yiliang, Liu Rui

Primary Institution: Harvard Medical School

Hypothesis

What are the coverage rates and determinants of health insurance for schoolchildren in rural Beijing?

Conclusion

Health insurance enrollment for schoolchildren is hindered by low reimbursement rates and limited benefits under low-premium schemes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Children's health insurance coverage rose to 54% by 2005.
  • 76% of insured farmers' children were covered under a low-premium scheme.
  • Low-premium schemes improved parental perceptions of healthcare access.
  • Insurance enrollment was significantly higher among children of insured parents.

Takeaway

This study shows that many schoolchildren in Pinggu have health insurance, but it doesn't cover routine care well, making it hard for families to get the help they need.

Methodology

A survey of elementary school students was conducted, with statistical analyses including logistic regression to evaluate insurance coverage and access.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in parental reporting of children's health status and insurance perceptions.

Limitations

The study is limited to a specific region and may not represent all rural areas in China.

Participant Demographics

Children from rural/suburban households in Pinggu, Beijing, with a mix of farmer and non-farmer backgrounds.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI for various factors reported

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-9276-7-23

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