There are plans to expand the social security system to cover
college students' medicare, an unnamed official from the Department
of Medical Insurance with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security
said on Friday.
The decision was made following the highly publicized case of
Cai Yun, a college undergraduate from Lanzhou
University who could not afford medical treatment after she was
diagnosed with a mysterious disease, according to the Gansu-based
West Economic Daily.
Cai fell ill last June and almost lost her hearing. Because she
could not afford the medical treatment, a local newspaper started a
fundraising campaign on her behalf. A doctor from Lanzhou, a
specialist in treating hearing disorders, offered her free
treatment and donated 5,000 yuan (US$617.28) to help with
after-care costs.
An official surnamed Feng from the ministry said the reform
could be based on the model adopted in eastern China's Jiangsu
Province, where college students' medical services are covered
by the province's social security system. Every year, both students
and universities in Jiangsu pay an insurance fee for the
service.
Feng said under the new system, college students like Cai would
be eligible for medical assistance from the local medical insurance
agency.
Students have welcomed the announcement of this policy which
would guarantee them decent medical services. Many students worry
about medical bills and don't go to see a doctor even when they are
ill unless they think it is very serious.
Cai said she hopes this new medical reform is implemented as
early as possible so other students in her situation can benefit
from it.
(Shenzhen Daily August 22, 2005)