Shanghai Daily news
Disabled people living in the city's downtown core who are unable to find
work because of their handicap will be provided free medical insurance starting
in July, the municipal government announced yesterday.
The insurance will benefit about 35,000 people who are seriously handicapped
and unemployed, said government spokeswoman Jiao Yang.
Disabled people over the age of 16 can apply for the insurance with their
disabled certificate, identity card and residence booklet at any branch of the
Shanghai Disabled Persons' Federation.
"The federation will estimate his or her physical condition, and write out a
certificate proving he or she has not enjoyed any medical insurance before,"
said Jiao.
The insurance can be used at community hospitals around the city or larger
hospitals if smaller clinics can't treat a patient. It will cover 50 percent of
the cost of any outpatient or emergency room service and 70 percent of treatment
during a hospital stay.
"The federation's district branches will also establish serious disease fund
for disabled people, that provides 200 yuan (US$26) for each person every year,"
said Jiao.
Two-thirds of the funding will be covered by the federation, while the rest
will be paid by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau.