Analysis of medical insurance reimbursement rates at community health centers sponsored by various entities

Abstract

Objective To analyze the impact of medical insurance reimbursement mechanism on the income of urban community health centers run by various entities. Methods The data of the baseline survey of community health centers in 28 cities made in 2007 were called into play. These data were used to compare the percentage of the annual medical insurance income from outpatient clinics of three types of community health centers in their gross annual income and their annual outpatient clinic income. Results For 929 community health centers with income from medical insurance reimbursement, the average percentage of their annual income from outpatient clinic accounts for 24% of their gross annual income and 26. 09% of their annual outpatient income;In respect of the reimbursement rates of medical insurance at outpatient clinics, the highest come from those run by enterprises, secondly those by the government,and the least those run by social organizations or individuals. Conclusion The mechanism of medical insurance reimbursement has already affected the income of the third type of community health centers. It is recommended to raise the coverage rate of medical insurance of such type of centers and their reimbursement rates of medical insurance. This may further consolidate the policies of medical insurance reimbursement. Key words: Various entities; Community health centers; Medical insurance; Reimbursement rate