TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare will raise the cap on out-of-pocket inpatient costs for the National Health Insurance program, with the maximum for a single hospital stay increasing from NT$51,000 (US$1,580) to NT$57,000 starting next year.

The annual cap on self-paid hospitalization expenses will also be raised from NT$86,000 to NT$94,000. According to the ministry, the change is expected to affect approximately 11,000 people and reduce the National Health Insurance program’s financial burden by around NT$60.93 million, as reported by CNA.

The initiative will apply to hospital stays of fewer than 30 days in acute care wards or fewer than 180 days in chronic care wards. However, certain groups, such as patients with major illnesses or low-income households, will not be affected by the new policy.

The adjustment marks a significantly larger increase compared to this year’s NT$2,000 change. Chen Zhen-hui (陳真慧), an official from the ministry, said the primary reason for the hike is a rise in average national income per person, based on data from the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics.

Taiwan College of Healthcare Executive Chair Hung Tzu-jen (洪子仁) said that while the caps are adjusted annually, most hospitalized patients pay far less than the maximum amount. Only those who are hospitalized long-term or receive costly treatments are likely to be significantly affected.

Hung added that raising the cap can help share the cost of medical care and prevent overuse of hospital resources. He urged the public to assess the necessity of hospitalization and emergency visits. Hung also encouraged individuals with chronic conditions to consider home-based care when appropriate.