Legal basis: Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly Article 29 The state guarantees the basic medical needs of the elderly through the basic medical insurance system. Elderly people who enjoy the minimum living guarantee and eligible low-income families are funded by the government to participate in the new rural cooperative medical system and basic medical insurance for urban residents. The relevant departments should take care of the elderly when formulating medical insurance measures.
People's Republic of China (PRC) Social Insurance Law Article 24 The state establishes and improves the new rural cooperative medical system. Measures for the administration of the new rural cooperative medical system shall be formulated by the State Council.