Regarding the National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums rate, the Cabinet on Dec. 15 said that the rate will remain at 5.17 percent, and that there will be no increases in the near-term. However, following the general elections, there has been continued speculations of a cabinet reshuffle at the end of the legislative session on Jan. 13. Opposition Kuomintang caucus whip Tseng Ming-chung has openly called for the replacement of Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan, Council of Agriculture Chen Chi-chung and National Communication Commissioner Chen Yaw-shyang. In response, Minister Hsueh said that he will continue to serve his post to the best of his ability.

As for the differences of opinions on the 2023 NHI global budget between payers’ and providers’ representatives, who had submitted their own proposed budgets for the Ministry of Health and Welfare for approval, Minister Hsueh said that a final decision will be made before the end of 2022, adding that changes to the copayment system have not been finalized.

National Health Insurance Administration Director General Lee Po-chang said that adjusting the copayment system is vital to reforms to the NHI and that its implementation will help improve the distribution of medical resources. Director General Lee said that it would be a shame if the necessary final steps towards the beginning of wider NHI reforms can be taken.

[2022-12-15/United Daily News]