Authorities in Urumqi have announced that flexible employment workers will soon be eligible for maternity insurance coverage. A recent joint notice from six municipal departments, including the Urumqi Healthcare Security Administration, establishes that starting September 1st, these workers can participate in the program and receive benefits such as coverage for maternity-related medical expenses and maternity allowances.

The initiative targets specific groups: self-employed individuals without employees, part-time workers not covered by an employer's maternity plan, and others in flexible employment arrangements. For those already enrolled in Urumqi's basic medical insurance for workers with a consistent payment history, participation in the maternity plan is voluntary, requiring synchronized payments with their medical insurance until the city's minimum contribution period is met. However, for new enrollees or those rejoining after a lapse, enrolling in maternity insurance is now mandatory and must be maintained continuously until the minimum payment duration is fulfilled.

The contribution base for this insurance will match the individual's basic medical insurance base, with a uniform rate set at 0.8%. Premiums will be paid monthly through the same collection channels and procedures used for basic medical insurance, handled by the tax authorities after registration is completed.

Concerning benefits, individuals who have paid into the employee medical scheme for six consecutive months can begin claiming reimbursement for medical expenses related to childbirth, including costs for check-ups and hospital delivery, at standards identical to those for regular enterprise employees. Additionally, male participants who have completed the waiting period can access these medical benefits for their unemployed spouses, provided the spouse is enrolled in basic medical insurance.

Regarding maternity allowances, eligible individuals can receive monthly payments if they have maintained continuous maternity insurance contributions for ten months at the time of delivery-related procedures. Those with less than ten months of contributions can start receiving payments once they reach that threshold. The allowance will be deposited directly into the recipient's personal account, with payments ceasing if coverage lapses. The duration for which the allowance is paid follows the maternity leave periods stipulated by national and regional regulations.