Abstract:

Objective To analyse the effects of new rural cooperative medical policy on the health of rural residents, and quantitatively evaluate the implementation of the policy. Methods Data on rural residents participating in new rural cooperative medical policy in 2000 and 2006 were evaluated with 2×2 square analysis and Probit model based on difference in differences method, and the implementation of policy was analysed. Results The number of females participating in new rural cooperative medical policy was larger than that of males, and the mean age of residents participating in the policy (45.79 years old) was lower than that of residents without participation (46.84 years old). The overall self-perceived health value in 2006 was lower than that in 2000. The policy had positive effect on self-perceived health value, with difference in differences of 0.040 3. Gender, age, drinking and medical insurance participation had influence on self-perceived health value (P<0.05). Conclusion The new rural cooperative medical policy has a positive effect on self-perceived health, but the effect may be hindered by potential moral risk and self-ignorance. Health education should be enhanced during the implementation of the policy.

Key words: new rural cooperative medical health policy, self-perceived health, difference in differences