TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Changhua County Government will expand its pregnancy subsidy in 2026, giving expectant mothers NT$500 (US$16) for each prenatal checkup.

The county government said Tuesday the subsidy covers up to 14 government-funded checkups, with a payout of NT$7,000 per pregnancy. The money is loaded onto an electronic Easycard and can be used for transport, fuel, charging, pharmacies, and medical supply stores.

County Magistrate Wang Huei-mei (王惠美) said the program is meant to lower costs and encourage mothers to attend regular checkups. Wang said the policy focuses on care from pregnancy through early childhood.

The magistrate said the county government will also raise birth subsidies to ease financial pressure on families. Wang said families can apply at household registration offices for NT$30,000 for a first child, NT$50,000 for a second, and NT$80,000 for a third child or more starting in 2026.

Changhua County had about 7,000 pregnant women in 2024 and expects a similar number to benefit once the subsidy starts. The government noted that the subsidy is limited to residents registered in the county, per CNA.

Easycard is a reloadable contactless card widely used in Taiwan for public transport, convenience stores, parking, and small daily payments. People tap the card to pay, and the money is taken straight from the stored balance.