RESUMO
The problem about whether or not retirees should pay for basic medical insurance is not only a poli-cy problem,but also one of the focus of theoretical controversy in China. The risk of fund shortage for medical insur-ance or the limited income of the retired workers is the practical issue to be considered when assessing whether the current medical insurance premium policy should be changed or not,but do not constitute a decisive factor in evalua-ting whether it is or not to affordable for the retired workers. The nature of the system and the inherent rights and obli-gations are the fundamental reasons for the decision. Because of the obligations for medical insurance payment,the a-bility to pay and how to undertake are all belong to the problems at different levels,it should be discussed separately. In view of the internal mechanism for medical insurance system and the change of the external environment of social economy,retired workers bearing the obligation of payment is a necessary requirement. In addition,while implemen-ting the principle of universal payment obligation,for the employees who are economically challenged and unable to pay their insurance premiums,can solutions such as lighten burden,through paying duty exemptions,individual gov-ernment subsidies and other ways.