Does Health Insurance Improve Health for Adults Living in Rural China? Evidence from a National Survey

Data from 2,093 rural adults indicate that enrollment in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) is associated with improved health status.

• NRCMS enrollment is linked to better self-assessed health and improved mental health among rural adults.
• Significant disparities in health outcomes exist based on age and income among NRCMS enrollees.
• Increased utilization of health services is one potential reason for the observed health improvements.
• Adults with NRCMS are more likely to seek care in lower-level medical institutions.

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