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URBANIZATION AND HEALTH CARE IN RURAL CHINA
Author(s) -
Liu Gordon G.,
Wu Xiaodong,
Peng Chaoyang,
Fu Alex Z.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
contemporary economic policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.454
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1465-7287
pISSN - 1074-3529
DOI - 10.1093/cep/21.1.11
Subject(s) - urbanization , china , adverse selection , business , health care , economic growth , health insurance , public economics , development economics , economics , demographic economics , socioeconomics , actuarial science , geography , archaeology
Strong economic growth has led to remarkable urbanization in China. Using the China Health and Nutrition Survey, this study provides the first empirical evidence documenting the impact of urbanization on rural health care and insurance. The primary finding is that urbanization leads to a significant and equitable increase in insurance coverage, which in turn plays a critical role in access to care. In addition, adverse selection exists in the demand for insurance. Income is also a significant determinant of insurance coverage. This study concludes that urbanization can help make substantial changes in rural health care and insurance status.