BEIJING — China’s new state medical insurance administration was officially set up in Beijing on May 31.

Xiao Jie, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council, said at the opening ceremony that the administration was founded to meet the people’s medical needs, ease the burden of medical costs, and improve the level of health.

The plan to set up a state medical insurance administration directly under the State Council, or the cabinet, was adopted by national legislature in March.

The administration will be responsible for formulating policies, plans, and standards on healthcare systems in terms of medical insurance, maternity insurance, and medical assistance, and ensuring their implementation.

The administration will also supervise and administer related medicare funds, improve a platform for trans-regional medical services and expense settlement, and organize related parties to fix and adjust prices for drugs and medical services, among others.