The impact of the urban–rural residents’ medical insurance integration on rural residents’ out-of-pocket medical costs: based on the deductible, reimbursement rate, and ceiling line

The policy design of medical insurance should give priority to the following: (1) reducing the financial burden of vulnerable groups by lowering deductibles and raising reimbursement ceilings; (2) expanding coverage for major diseases; and (3) expanding the catalogue of reimbursable medicines. These findings offer valuable insights for healthcare reform in developing countries.