Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Since 2014, unifying social insurance schemes has become the national policy direction of the central government in China, followed by various explorations and reforms carried out in different localities. Focusing on the latest social insurance reforms, the present study aims to trace the changing configuration of the social insurance systems and sort out the process of social insurance unification in China. Based on literature review and analysis of the reform practices of local governments, the paper first introduces the characteristics of the current health and pension insurance schemes. It then analyses the three integration patterns that have been undertaken and applied by different local governments. Lastly, the study discusses the challenges and recommendations for future insurance reform in the context of Chinese rapid urbanization and population ageing. It is suggested that, for future promotion of unification, social insurance reforms should further bridge the rural-urban dualistic division and encourage institutional innovation, deepen the integration process by building a more equitable and efficient system, and promote reform in a holistic manner.