China Lowers the Price of Covid-19 Nucleic Acid Testing

A staff member deals with nucleic acid testing samples in a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) lab in Xianyou county, East China’s Fujian province, Sept 14, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

In order to control the expenditure on COVID-19 nucleic acid testing and screening at an affordable level, and strive to maintain a balance between epidemic prevention and control, economic development, and social life, in mid-November 2021, the National Medical Insurance Administration launched the third round of national joint surveys. Instruct all localities to further reduce the price and cost of COVID-19 nucleic acid testing in public hospitals.

On December 10, Beijing officially lowered the price of COVID-19 nucleic acid testing in public hospitals. The price of single test per person was reduced to 35 yuan per person, and the price of mixed test was reduced to 8 yuan per person, effective from December 11. The price is a new low in the third round of national joint regulation and control. Up to now, a total of 30 provinces have successively reduced the price of single inspection per person to less than 40 yuan (including 40 yuan) per person, and the price of mixed inspection to less than 10 yuan (including 10 yuan) per person. According to requirements, all localities will complete the price reduction before December 15.

In order to effectively reduce the burden on the masses, the National Medical Insurance Bureau encourages localities to apply multi-person mixed inspections where conditions permit, and charges are based on actual inspection services.