On May 1 last year, Guangzhou authorities introduced a new policy to provide comprehensive financial assistance for local needy citizens seeking medical attention. Such assistance includes subsidy for medical insurance, discount and exemption of outpatient fees, subsidy for sick citizens in poverty, special medical aid, and temporary medical assistance.
This policy is a complement of the existing medical insurance policy. Needy citizens receive medical aid in addition to their medical insurance benefits; in this way, medical aid money can be used in a more efficient manner. Moreover, some needy citizens not covered by medical insurance can receive medical aid at designated outpatient departments. The new policy covers both urban and rural areas and implements a unified model and standards of assistance; it's expected to play a significant role in preventing citizens from being plunged into poverty by disease.
