The Interim Procedure for Qingdao Urban Residents' Medical Insurance is due to be implemented after July 1, which means 850,000 more people can then enjoy this social benefit.

　　At the end of last year, the medical insurance policy holders amo unted to 1.93 million in Qingdao. The local government has so far paid 618 million Yuan for 114,000 man times of patients and covered 129 million Yuan of expense on serious diseases. The expenditure incurred on individuals has been further alleviated.

　　However close to 850,000 elders, seriously disabled persons, low-income households, poverty-stricken workers, school students and preschool children had before been excluded from this social benefit. The Interim Procedure, accepted at a recent governmental conference, is due to take effect after July 1. Plus 850,000 new policyholders, 2.2 million residents in the seven districts will be able to enjoy the benefit of this medical insurance policy.