The NHI finance has always been a hot issue.  The NHIA has implemented many cost containment measures to tackle this problem, such as clamping down on duplicate prescriptions and medical tests.  Dr Chen Shih-Chung, the MOHW Minister, recently hint the possibility of increasing the NHI premium rate.  Dr Yang Chih-Liang, a former MOHW Minister, supported this proposal but worried about the consequential generational conflicts.  Dr Chen pointed out that the reform could be carried out based on the principles of social insurance, ability-to-pay and equal rights to healthcare.

Dr Chen’s remarks sparked heated discussions.  Huang Wei-Jer, the Mayor of Tainan City, suggested that the NHIA should firstly consider solving the Taiwanese expatriates’ abuses of the system by, for example, increasing their premium rate or co-payment.

Dr Yang Chih-Liang supported an increase in the NHI premium rate; but he worried that shifting the financial burden onto the younger generations may lead to generational conflicts.

Dr Chen said that this had been the reason for his opposition to the insurance system for long-term care as the younger generations would have to carry a heavy financial burden.  However, the NHI system has been implemented for years.  It would not be necessary to have an overhaul of the social insurance system.

To tackle the NHI financial problems, Dr Chen Shih-Chung expressed that the reform could be carried out based on the principles of social insurance, ability-to-pay and equal rights to healthcare.  He urges all stakeholders to work together and give their support. 

There is a call for an increase in the co-payments for items likely to be abused.  Dr Chen stressed that co-payment is a measure for cost control.  He would not like to adopt this method to solve NHI financial problems as the poor will suffer more. He would firstly consider a premium rate adjustment.

【2020-05-20 / Liberty Times】