Assessing healthcare payment reforms’ effects on economic inequities and catastrophic expenditures among cancer patients in ethnic minority regions of China

Given that many ethnic minority patients belong to economically disadvantaged groups with limited financial resources, the rise in out-of-pocket costs exacerbates their economic burden, making them more vulnerable to catastrophic medical expenditures. This situation poses a severe challenge to minority patients already in precarious financial circumstances. This study offers insights and lessons from China that may guide governments worldwide in mitigating healthcare inequities faced by vulnerable populations.