The Evolution of China’s Social Policies Richard Herd (Feb 28, 2013)

 Background  Stemming growth in inequality  Pension policies  Health care policies  Remaining problems  Suggestions AGENDA

 Chinese economy moves toward a market-base system.  Significant increase in inequality.  Collectively-provided health care systems failed to adapt to the new economic system.  Pension provision ceased to provide for all workers. BACKGROUND

 Inequality increased, then stop rising.  Ratio of rural to urban income might be overstated.  Geographical inequality has stabilized, but high by international standard.  Two-tier labor market --- hukou policy. STEMMING GROWTH IN INEQUALITY

 Pensions for urban population.  Pensions in rural areas.  Incomes of the elderly.  Widening the pension system. PENSION POLICIES

 Medical resources.  Hospital management and price regulation.  Financing of health care. HEALTH CARE POLICY

 Limited impact on catastrophic expenditure.  Increase coverage.  Migrants. REMAINING PROBLEMS

 A new catastrophic health insurances scheme.  New information system.  Rising the retirement age. SUGGESTIONS