TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) noted on Thursday (Dec. 26) that National Health Insurance (全民健康保險) reforms should consider generational fairness, noting that younger workers might earn less than their predecessors. The Legislative Yuan (立法院) plans to review an opposition-backed amendment to the "Senior Citizens Welfare Act" (老人福利法) on Friday. This proposal aims to exempt seniors aged 65 and older with a 20% income tax rate from paying health insurance premiums.
Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) highlighted the insurance system's sustainability and fairness, marking its 30th anniversary in 2025 as a point of national pride. Meanwhile, the opposition Kuomintang (國民黨) has introduced a draft amendment to the "Employment Service Act" (就業服務法), scheduled for a vote on Friday. This amendment would allow seniors over 80 to apply for foreign caregivers without the Barthel Index assessment.
Chiu also acknowledged the Ministry of Labor's (勞動部) diverse evaluation policies, which he claims enhance the accuracy of senior care. The total budget for the 2025 National Health Insurance remains undecided. The Executive Yuan (行政院) approved a growth rate range between 5.5% and 3.521%, translating to a budget of NT$911.2 billion to NT$928.6 billion.
Two proposals, advocating for NT$920.75 billion and NT$925.73 billion, await a decision from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部). Chiu expressed gratitude for the Executive Yuan's support, noting that the maximum estimated growth rate of 5.5% provides significant assistance, although the final total remains pending.
