BEIJING -- China's major disease medical insurance now covers more than one billion people, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

Improving the system of major diseases insurance has been a major task for the health sector during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20). While expanding the coverage of the insurance to all urban and rural residents, health authorities also lowered the threshold for payment by insurers, raised the ratio of payment by insurers and expanded the scope of services covered by insurance.

Wang Hesheng, vice head of the commission, said that insurance for major diseases now covers more than 50 percent of patients' medical costs, and in some rural areas a basic medical insurance system for the impoverished covers 80 to 90 percent of medical fees.

The commission said it would work to ensure families with low incomes, senior citizens, juveniles and those with severe disabilities or severe diseases will receive proper medical treatment.