Medical aid for major illnesses gets a boost

China will raise the level of medical aid to low-income groups in both rural and urban areas in the treatment of major illnesses, as authorities aim to protect families from being reduced to poverty by unavoidable healthcare costs.

The new arrangement aims to cover 96 percent of expenses in the treatment of major illnesses for low-income families by the end of this year, according to Wang Zhikun, head of the department of social assistance under the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Medical expenses for major illnesses are first paid by the patient. Reimbursement is then provided by an insurance plan, up to the plan's limit. Plans vary, and generally do not cover the full amount.