The Beijing Labor and Security Bureau has drafted new policies seeking to extend national health benefits to the most vulnerable, namely minors and senior citizens.

A recent Beijing Times report estimated that insurance coverage in the capital city would extend to around 1.5 million students and infants with over 290,000 elderly citizens covered by October.

Under the new regulations, the 100 yuan (US$13.01) per annum premium will be split equally between families and the government. Furthermore, any of those covered incurring medical fees of over 650 yuan (US$84.61) in value will see 70 percent of their fees. The maximum amount of cover available is 170,000 yuan (US$22,128.22) per year.

The city's medicare plan will also extend to age ranges not previously covered, namely women over 50 years old and men over 60. These older citizens will need to contribute 300 yuan (US$39.05) annually to join the scheme. 60 percent of their medical expenses will be covered should they range between 1,300-70,000 yuan (US$169.22-9,111.62) a year.

Hospitals will also benefit from the new policy since expenses and treatment for severe conditions such as cancer and kidney disease will be covered, the bureau revealed.

Original funding for the policy will stand at 400 million yuan (US$52,07 million) per annum and will be wholly provided by Beijing municipal authorities.

The city will not rest on its laurels, since it also plans to extend the system to disabled and unemployed people of working age next year.

(CRIENGLISH.com May 11, 2007)