Suzhou Industrial Park held a ceremony on December 27 introducing the new Suzhou Social Security Card, also known as the Citizen Card. Issued by the municipal government, the IC card applies in HR, social security, and public services.

The old SIP Social Security Card remains valid till June 30, 2015 or till the first use of the new card from December 27, 2014 to June 30, 2015, at which the balance of holder's individual medical account will be transferred to the new card and the old card can still be used for financial matters. SIP will not issue new card to the social security program participants registered and receiving the new cards in downtown areas (including Gusu, New District, Wuzhong, and Xiangcheng).

The new card is in white background with photo and ID number of the holder. In spite of the new look, the card benefits are the same for outpatient & inpatient services, supplementary commercial medicine policies, relief and financial support. There will be no longer separate cashier windows for card holders registered at SIP and downtown areas. Both use the same catalogue for medicine, diagnostic, treatment, and special medical materials, while SIP maintains independent in category management.

In addition to the same financial services available to the old cards, the new ones can also be used to pay bus and metro fares as well as medical bills at 1,096 hospitals. About 850,000 people have got the new cards and the authority expected total issuance of one million before Spring Festival 2015 in February.

The card holders moving between downtown areas and SIP within the year will have their medical insurance benefits and medical expenses calculated separately. Those coming from downtown areas and working in SIP will have their policies transferred according to applicable regulations; the rule is to pay this month and to enjoy the benefits next month. Those having their medical benefits suspended on the second month after making the final payment for the previous month during the process of transfer will have their money reimbursed at social security fund management center. At the completion of the transfer procedures, the participants should have their balance moved to SIP's account. No transfer procedures are required for those moving from downtown areas to SIP due to household registration change or school transfer.