Can rural health insurance improve equity in health care utilization? a comparison between China and Vietnam

Household survey and qualitative study were conducted in 6 counties in China and 4 districts in Vietnam. Health insurance policy and its impact on utilization of outpatient and inpatient service were analyzed and compared to measure equity in access to health care.In China, Health insurance membership had no significant impact on outpatient service utilization, while was associated with higher utilization of inpatient services, especially for the higher income group. Health insurance members in Vietnam had higher utilization rates of both outpatient and inpatient services than the non-members, with higher use among the lower than higher income groups. Qualitative results show that bureaucratic obstacles, low reimbursement rates, and poor service quality were the main barriers for members to use health insurance.China has achieved high population coverage rate over a short time period, starting with a limited benefit package. However, poor people have less benefit from NCMS in terms of health service utilization. Compared to China, Vietnam health insurance system is doing better in equity in health service utilization within the health insurance members. However with low population coverage, a large proportion of population cannot enjoy the health insurance benefit. Mutual learning would help China and Vietnam address these challenges, and improve their policy design to promote equitable and sustainable health insurance.Many developing countries are trying to find ways to achieve universal healthcare coverage, and reduce the reliance on out-of-pocket payment and provide financial protection against high medical expenses [1,2]. Tax-based health financing and social health insurance are most frequently used mechanisms for achieving the goal. Both China and Vietnam have experienced rapid economic development and dramatic social changes over the past three decades. Health sector reforms in the two countries have led health facilities to rely increasingly on user charges.