In the context of the stalled progress of the new healthcare reform, it is necessary to reassess the relationship between the "three medical system linkages" (health insurance, medical services, and pharmaceuticals). The health insurance system, as a fundamental institution, should be supported by a medical service system that facilitates its function. The overarching goal of the healthcare reform should be to build a fairer and more sustainable health insurance system compatible with the socialist market economy. The core objective should be to position health insurance as the leading force in healthcare reform and further enhance the decisive role of the market in resource allocation. Health insurance serves as the central nervous system of the new healthcare reform policies and service system, influencing and controlling healthcare services, drug distribution, medical cost control, resource allocation efficiency, and even fairness. Therefore, the future direction of healthcare reform will largely depend on how effectively health insurance can guide, coordinate, and control various system elements.