Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan during an interview said that the planned copayment adjustments will be implemented before the end of this year, while acknowledging that considerations must be made for macro factors including the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation in the U.S.
Minister Hsueh said that the National Health Insurance (NHI) premium rate has risen to 5.17 percent, only 0.83 percent short of the legally stipulated ceiling of six percent, prompting the need for further amendment to the law. However, such amendments must include macro considerations, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare has formed a task force to draft an amendment raising the ceiling on the NHI premium rate. Minister Hsueh said that the taskforce is also aiming to include nursing care on the NHI fee schedule as well as commencing initiatives at preventing chronic metabolic diseases.
On including nursing care in the NHI fee schedule, Minister Hsueh said that despite opposition, nursing care is not a responsibility that can be shirked by the NHI. In addition to help cut down on expenditure, Minister Hsueh said that the Health Promotion Administration and the National Health Insurance Administration are working on launching an initiative focused on the prevention of metabolic diseases. Minister Hsueh hopes that through legislation, the prevention of metabolic diseases can be assigned to the remit of government agencies, with aspirations to do the same for all chronic diseases.
Minister Hsueh did not rule out the possibility further increases to the NHI premium rate in 2023. He said that if the rate is not increased in 2023, it will have to be raised by a larger increment in 2024, which coincides with a presidential race. The decision still depends on National Health Insurance Administration’s financial forecasts and efforts at communicating with the public. We must find the correct rhythm for the work that must be done to take us to the next stage, Minister Hsueh said.
[2022-8-16/United Daily News]
