The Taicang government has proposed regulations to relieve the financial burden on patients with critical diseases.

A portion of outpatient service costs that used to be paid by patients with critical diseases will be covered by social medical insurance after the scheme is put in place.

The measures will see a cap placed on the amount paid by patients at their own expense. Beyond the cap, costs will be refunded at different rates.

A dedicated fund will be set up for reimbursements to patients.

The fund is required to contain 20 yuan ($3.22) for each insured person for the year 2015. The local social medical insurance foundation will contribute 10 yuan for each insured person; the municipal finance bureau will match that number.