The National Health Insurance Committee (NHIC) on Sept. 24 commenced negotiations on the 2026 National Health Insurance (NHI) global budget, agreeing on a 5.5% increase, the upper limit set by the National Development Council, bringing the budget to nearly NT$1 trillion. This marks the first time payer and provider representatives on the NHIC have reached a consensus on the NHI global budget since the mechanism was implemented 23 years ago.

In an interview on Sept. 25, Minister of Health and Welfare (MOHW) Shih Chung-liang stated that the ministry has reassessed the NHI’s financial outlook and estimated the reserve fund will remain equivalent to 2.8 months of operating expenses through 2025. He noted that with the 5.5% increase in the 2026 NHI global budget, the reserve fund is expected to cover close to two months of expenditure. Given this outlook, Minister Shih said NHI premium rates will likely remain unchanged throughout 2025.

Minister Shih added that the 2026 NHI global budget is projected to rise by nearly NT$60 billion compared to 2025, signaling more resources for medical services nationwide. In addition to increased reimbursement for orphan drugs and new cancer treatments, he said the additional funding will be prioritized in two key areas: improving nurse retention through better working conditions, and strengthening pediatric care in response to Taiwan’s declining birthrate.

[2025-9-25/Central News Agency (CNA)]