TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Health costs are set to rise at three newly designated medical centers in Taiwan from March 1 with an increase of NT＄180 in outpatient fees and NT＄350 for emergency services, according to the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA).
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced on Feb. 6 the elevation of three hospitals in northern Taiwan to medical center status: The Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, and the National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch were upgraded following the 2023 medical center hospital evaluation.
NHIA Deputy Director General Parng I-ming expressed that the increase in basic outpatient and emergency care charges that result from the upgrade may affect patients' willingness to seek treatment. He vowed continuous monitoring and evaluation of the impact on the national health insurance scheme.
Following the elevation of these three hospitals, it is estimated that outpatient visits will reach around 10,000 per day, and 500 emergency visits. The MOHW will closely observe the potential changes in patient's willingness to seek care and the impact on health insurance resources.
