ThePaper.cn:

In recent years, commercial medical insurance such as Huiminbao that links up with basic medical insurance has appeared in many places, further reducing the burden of medical treatment for the people. It has received widespread attention from society. What considerations and measures are there for promoting commercial insurance development? Thank you.

Huang Huabo:

Thank you for your question. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress pointed out that China will promote the orderly linking up of medical insurance programs at different levels and vigorously develop commercial medical insurance. The Huiminbao program has been implemented in recent years in various localities. We believe that it can be used as a kind of inclusive commercial medical insurance. It is also a helpful exploration into improving the multi-level medical insurance system. On the basis of clarifying the liability boundary between basic and commercial medical insurance, the medical insurance department explored and adopted some measures to help the development of commercial medical insurance. It is specifically reflected in three aspects.

First, we have vigorously promoted information sharing. On the prerequisite of ensuring the security of medical insurance data, we have carried out pilot projects for authorized inquiry and use of personal medical insurance information in 12 cities across the country to tap into the full potential of medical insurance data and serve more local residents. In the pilot cities, insured persons can access personal medical insurance-related information through various online and offline channels. Upon receiving authorization from individuals, their relevant personal information is made accessible to commercial insurance companies. This streamlines the process of purchasing commercial insurance and filing claims. We are committed to providing the greatest convenience for people through information sharing. By doing so, we strive to improve the public's sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with commercial insurance products.

Second, we have vigorously supported service coordination. Convenient and quick claims settlement has always been an urgent need for insured people. We have encouraged commercial insurance companies to participate in critical illness insurance, long-term care insurance, and medical insurance fund supervision. Undertaking businesses relevant to basic medical insurance will not only help commercial insurance companies to further improve their services but also helps them optimize insurance service processes and unclog service channels. Some localities also support and guide commercial insurance companies to simplify the claims procedures to greatly increase the attractiveness of commercial insurance products. For example, Zhejiang province and some other places have implemented one-stop insurance settlement of Huiminbao insurance programs, basic medical insurance, critical illness insurance, and medical assistance, among others. This system has effectively solved or alleviated the problems relating to advance payments, errands, and long processing times, which have received the most complaints. 

Third, we are diligently working to improve the effectiveness of the fund. We have deepened the reform of bulk government purchases and medical insurance payments while continually conducting national drug catalog access negotiations. We continue to strengthen fund supervision and crack down on insurance fraud. These measures not only alleviate the burden of medical treatment for insured patients but also, to a certain extent, alleviate the bottleneck problems of commercial insurance companies. These include difficulties with hospital supervision, weak bargaining power, and high risk- control costs. These efforts have fostered a good medical service environment for commercial medical insurance companies to reasonably control fees and reduce operating pressure.

Next, we will work with relevant departments to actively explore the proper and effective methods for synergized development and mutual complementation of basic and commercial medical insurance to better meet the needs of the public's multi-level medical security. Thank you!