Hu Guozhen: Optimize medical insurance policy for the impoverished

CPPCC member Hu Guozhen has raised concerns that an increasing medical insurance premium might affect poverty alleviation results in impoverished areas. [Photo/gog.cn]

Hu Guozhen, Guizhou's member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and deputy head of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, has recommended optimizing the medical insurance premium policy for urban and rural residents.

Based on previous investigations, Hu noticed that unpredictable increases in medical insurance premiums have led to economic pressure for the low-income population.

In this situation, low-income families might choose to suspend medical insurance and give priority to other expenses, and then easily fall into or return to poverty when meeting serious illness.

Hu suggested that the county should plan a stable, annual individual medical insurance payment amount, with a lower payment standard for individuals with long insured periods and low medical expenses.

Hu also suggested a differentiated medical insurance premium policy should be considered for residents in impoverished areas and developed areas.