Forecast: Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditures in China

The actual data on out-of-pocket health expenditures in China from 2013 to 2023 shows a consistent decline, with a few exceptions like a slight increase in 2016 and 2017. As of 2023, the expenditure stood at 31.24 units. The year-on-year decreases averaged around -2.66% over the past 5 years, indicating a strong downward trend. From 2014 onwards, the expenditure decreased at an average annual rate of -2.26% according to forecasts, projecting a further decline to 27.08 units by 2028.

Key future trends to watch for include:

• Potential policy changes to reduce individual burden as healthcare reforms progress.
• Technological advancements in healthcare that might reduce overall costs.
• Economic factors that could impact personal income and, consequently, out-of-pocket expenditures.