The mental health effects of critical illness insurance: Evidence from China's aging population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the rapid progression of aging, mental health challenges among the elderly have become increasingly pronounced. Addressing these issues is vital for enhancing older adults' quality of life and maintaining social stability. This study investigates the impact of China's Critical Illness Insurance (CII) policy, a pivotal component of the national healthcare system, on the mental health of older adults.

Methods

This study leverages data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and utilizes the staggered implementation of the CII policy across regions as a "quasi-natural experiment." A multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) approach is employed to estimate the policy's effects. The analysis focuses on depression tendencies and scores

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12591447 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature