Medical services in urban China: does the 'free' care policy induce greater demand?
In this paper we discuss the nature of the medical services and the free medical care programs in urban China, then using the data collected in a large city, we also explored the differences between those covered by a free program and those not in perceived illness, doctor visit, hospital admission, and emergency use. Our findings may show that Chinese experience in medical service use is consistent with the common idea that a free medical care policy could induce greater demand while it also has its own nature.
Wu
T
T
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suny at Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
Dai
B
B
D002681:China; D005380:Financing, Government; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006291:Health Policy / Q000191:economics*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*