China plans to expand urban health insurance system - report |
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Published
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Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:31
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BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - China plans to expand its basic health insurance system in urban areas as part of the government's efforts to improve the nation's social welfare system, state media reported.At present, all firms must establish basic health insurance for their employees, but China lacks an enforced program for non-workers.Citing a decision by the State Council, the nation's cabinet, the official China Daily said trials will start this year in a handful of cities to expand coverage to children, students and the unemployed.Healthcare has become a major issue in China since the dismantling of the cradle-to-grave social security system, resulting in high levels of precautionary savings by families concerned about the costs of medical care.Beijing has recognized that bolstering the social security system could increase consumer spending as it would offset fears of high medical and other costs.China has also earmarked 4.27 bln yuan to set up a cooperative medical care system in rural areas.(1 usd = 7.74 yuan)will.davies@afxasia.com
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China targets 2007 urban registered jobless rate under 4.6 pct - state planner 