Shanghai's top legislative body yesterday turned down the city
government's proposal on medical insurance system reform as
deputies could not agree on its details.
"Government proposals tend to be approved, but many Shanghai
People's Congress members suggested controversial opinions as we
discussed the amendment today," a deputy told Xinhua news
agency.
The proposal suggested disconnecting medical payment standards
with the city's average wage, changing payment thresholds for
medical insurance funds and increasing benefits for people who
joined the medical insurance plan after 2001.
Some members said it was not in line with Chinese regulations to
disconnect medical insurance thresholds with wages, the report
said.
Some members had different opinions on how and to what extent to
increase younger people's benefits.
So far, a total of 4.26 million employees participated in the
city's medical insurance plan, 1.01 million of whom joined it after
2001.
Fifty-seven standing committee members voted against the
proposal.
(Shanghai Daily November 29, 2007)