Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan during an interview said that a new wave of BA.5 infection is expected, and anticipated to begin subsiding in November, it will be more appropriate for authorities to implement changes to the copayment system in November or December, after economic activities have recovered to normal levels, Minister Hsueh said.
Minister Hsueh said that increases to the National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums and copayments will not be implemented simultaneously and that increases to the premiums will take place at a later time. However, Minister Hsueh said that with the 6 percent cap in place, there is not enough headroom for subsequent increases to NHI premiums to meet demand in the in the next four to five years. Therefore, it is vital to address the constraints of the 6 percent cap on NHI premiums sooner rather than later to ensure the NHI’s sustainable growth and prevent obstacles to accessing new drugs.
Minister Hsueh said that reforms to the NHI will not only focus on lifting the 6 percent cap on NHI premiums but will also include measures to address other outstanding issues. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is identifying related issues and collating opinions to come up with proposed draft bills, which will be publicized in due time for communication with the public.
Currently, there are many issues surrounding the income and expenditure of the NHI, such as spending on preventative medicine, Minister Hsueh said. In the past, preventative medicine was not on the NHI fee schedule, as the area is under the remit of the Health Promotion Administration. However, other stakeholders have said that all treatments should be included in the NHI fee schedule, Minister Hsueh said, noting that this has been a long running debate which should be clarified through legislation.
Minister Hsueh said that there is no clear timetable on reforming the NHI, and that as the endeavor is not something that can be completed in one or two years’ time, preparations must begin immediately.
[2022-8-29/Commercial Times]
