China Introduces 'Medical Savings Code': A Unified Digital Solution for Streamlined Healthcare Services
The Chinese government has recently introduced a new "medical savings card", or "medical insurance e-certificate", known as the "medical savings code". This digital identification is part of a unified medical information platform aimed at improving healthcare services for medical insurance subscribers, medical administrative staff, and medical professionals. According to the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the new medical savings code will serve as a universal key to streamline the entire medical process.
4 April 2024
This will help alleviate issues such as the inconvenience of carrying a physical card, losing it, or dealing with the complexities of replacing a lost card. The goal is to make medical care more accessible for Chinese citizens. The medical savings code can be activated and used by all medical insurance subscribers through various channels, including the National Health Insurance Service Platform app, the National Government Services Platform, the National Government Service Portal, or third-party platforms authorized by the National Health Insurance Bureau. To activate the medical savings code, users can download the "National Health Insurance Service Platform" app and register. After completing real-name and real-person verification, they can receive the medical savings code, which will be linked to their medical insurance account and can be used immediately. The medical savings code offers several benefits, including:
1. **Convenience**: The medical savings code eliminates the need for physical cards, allowing users to manage their medical insurance accounts, check their account balance, view their medical history, and make medical payments using their smartphones. 2. **Accessibility**: Users can access medical services in any part of China, as medical institutions across the country support the medical savings code. This allows users to receive medical care in any province, city, or region, regardless of their place of residence. 3. **Family Sharing**: Users can bind their family members' medical insurance accounts to their own account, making it easier for family members to manage their medical needs. This feature is particularly helpful for elderly individuals and children, who may require assistance with managing their medical needs. 4. **Cross-Border Functionality**: Users can activate the medical savings code for cross-border medical services, enabling them to receive medical care in other countries. To ensure a smooth experience, users are advised to check if their medical insurance information is accurate and up-to-date before activating the medical savings code. In the event of any issues, users can contact the National Health Insurance Service Platform's customer support for assistance. The medical savings code is an important step towards digitalizing medical services in China, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for millions of people. As the country continues to embrace technology in various sectors, innovations such as the medical savings code are expected to become more common, improving the overall quality of life for Chinese citizens.