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China's 2026 Plan: Free Childbirth Expenses Nationwide

12/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

China will expand its national healthcare insurance program in 2026 to cover all out-of-pocket childbirth expenses.
The plan is part of a broader fertility initiative addressing a demographic crisis.
Zhang Ke, director of the National Healthcare Security Administration, announced the plan at a national healthcare security conference in Beijing.
He said the goal is no out-of-pocket expenses for deliveries and to expand coverage for prenatal check-ups and labor analgesia.

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Story summary

China will expand its national healthcare insurance program in 2026 to cover all out-of-pocket childbirth expenses.
The plan is part of a broader fertility initiative addressing a demographic crisis.
Zhang Ke, director of the National Healthcare Security Administration, announced the plan at a national healthcare security conference in Beijing.
He said the goal is no out-of-pocket expenses for deliveries and to expand coverage for prenatal check-ups and labor analgesia.