Analysis on poverty reduction effectiveness by medical relief for poverty-stricken rural population incurred by illness

Abstract

Objective By measuring various medical relief standards and simulating the poverty reduction outcomes for compensation for self-paid expenses, to learn the outcomes of medical on poverty reduction in rural areas. Methods Using the detailed medical expenditure of those subject to medical relief in 2016 in Liandu district of Lishui city of Zhejiang province, we calculated their self-paid medical expenses and the proportion of medical relief. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis. Results Thanks to the medical relief, the self-paid expenses of 458 people fell to under 22 000 yuan, i.e.the poverty line, and 30.25% of them overcame poverty. It was found that different medical relief schemes score different poverty reduction effects among various expense sections. Conclusions Rational choices of medical relief standards for such population call for reference of the distribution pattern of their specific self-paid medical expenses, a benchmark to identify those in need of assistance. Attempts are needed to explore partial assistance for self-paid medical expenses and introduce commercial insurance to make up for the assistance. It is recommended to select appropriate rescue means as required by the demand and supply of the rescue funds. Key words: Social security; Rural areas; Medical relief; Precide poverty alleviation; Outcomes