Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan during a forum on the National Health Insurance’s (NHI) Medi-Cloud System remarked that the implementation of revised copayment rules will be dependent on the COVID-19 situation and the state of economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.

Minister Hsueh said that there should be no surprise turns in the pandemic and the public should be able to enjoy the 2023 Lunar New Year holidays without added restrictions. While the end of the pandemic could be around the corner, the pace of economic recovery is more uncertain and requires further observation, Minister Hsueh said, noting that some people may become overly price conscious when accessing health care services due to increased copayments. Although disadvantaged groups are exempt from the changes in copayment rules, the full breadth of economic impacts from the pandemic on the public’s ability to afford health care services still need to be assessed. Therefore, the implementation of the copayment reforms will likely be delayed from the first quarter of 2023 to the second quarter.

On the matter, National Health Insurance Administration Director General Lee Po-chang said that while the higher copayments will do little in improving NHI finances, it is hoped that the new rules will encourage people to be more aware of the resources consumed, which will ultimately improve the quality of care provided. Director General Lee said that there has been an imbalance in the distribution of medical points for professionals engaged in home care and those providing care in outlying islands. In addition, cost savings and improved resource utilization. By cutting down on uncessary expenditure, more patients could receive help.

[2022-11-29/Liberty Times]