The National Health Insurance Committee (NHIC) on June 25 held a meeting to discuss the negotiation framework for the 2026 National Health Insurance (NHI) global budget. NHIC Executive Secretary Chou Shu-wan said that the proposed 2026 global budget growth parameters have been submitted to the Executive Yuan for review, and that formal negotiations will begin following the Executive Yuan's approval.

NHIC Executive Secretary Chou said that the NHIC has decided to schedule a preparatory meeting on Aug. 28, followed by a formal meeting between the National Health Insurance Administration and NHIC members slated for Sept. 24 to discuss the details of the 2026 NHI global budget.

In response to concerns that the current recommended 5.5% high growth parameter could cause the NHI reserve fund to fall below the legally mandated threshold of one month’s operating expenses by the end of 2026 and trigger pressures to raise NHI premiums, Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan said that a premium rate hike thus far appears unlikely and that the government will make every effort to secure a high NHI global budget growth rate. Minister Chiu added that at 5.5%, the growth rate is unchanged from 2025 and that the small expected decline in the NHI reserve fund could be easily addressed.

[2025-6-25/United Daily News]