Up to 90 percent of rural residents' inpatient costs to treat serious diseases will now be covered under an expanded medical insurance program.

From Jan 1, the program covers 20 serious diseases, including stomach cancer, lung cancer and uremia, the Beijing News reported on Thursday.

Patients can get at least 70 percent of their treatment costs reimbursed under a basic medical insurance program. After that, at least half of the uncovered portion, or 15 percent of the total cost, will be reimbursed under a commercial insurance program.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs will also provide aid to those deemed financially deprived.

Contributions to the basic rural healthcare program, or the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance Program, are expected to amount to more than 270 billion yuan ($43 billion) in 2013.

Contact the writer at wangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn