Objective: To evaluate the implementation effects of the full coverage policy of essential medicines for elderly patients in primary health care institutions in Qidong City, and to provide practical suggestions for elderly patients to enjoy equitable access and rational use of essential medicines in primary medical institutions.. Methods: The data of elderly patients over 70 and participated in basic medical insurance in Qidong city were selected to analyze the changes of the diagnosis and treatment indicators before and after the implementation of the full coverage policy of essential medicines, and qualitative interviews were conducted with key insiders. Results: After the implementation of the full coverage policy for essential medcines in Qidong City, The average monthly discharges were increased by 478（P=0.001）; the average medical insurance compensation per time was rised by438.93 yuan（P＜0.001）; the average self-payment per time was declined by513.02yuan（P＜0.001）; the average self-payment expenseratio per time declined by15.2 percent（P＜0.001);and the average hospitalization costs per time declined 74.13 yuan（P＜0.001).The qualitative interviews also indicated that it could lead to a decrease in economic burden for rural elderly patients and raise the the use of hospitalization services in rural elderly patients. Conclusion: After the implementation of the full coverage policy of essential medicines, the disease burden of beneficial rural elderly patients was reduced; the medical treatment demand was released to a certain extent; and the vitality of primary health care institutions was stimulated. To ensure better implementation of the policy, we should advance the full coverage policy of essential medicines for rural elderly patients step-by-step, strengthen the implementation of supporting measures, eliminate waste, and set up separate financing channels to raise the funds needed for the full coverage policy of essential medicines.