TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Following amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has stopped subsidizing dentures for low- and middle-income seniors, shifting the cost to local governments, CNA reported.
The Social and Family Affairs Administration said the subsidy program helps low- and middle-income people aged 65 and over, as well as those with disabilities, who need full dentures or denture repairs. The ministry allocates nearly NT$80 million (US$2.5 million) annually to the program.
Administration Director Chou Tao-chun (周道君) said amendments passed by the Legislative Yuan have also significantly affected other social welfare subsidies, such as child allowances and housing subsidies.
Chou said the ministry last year provided NT$72.81 million for senior denture subsidies. Since its launch in 2009, the program has helped more than 88,000 seniors get dentures.
The Cabinet said the amendments will require an extra NT$375.3 billion annually for local governments, potentially affecting budgets for defense, labor insurance, public housing, and transportation. The Ministry of Finance warned that the changes could widen the urban-rural gap and increase national debt.
In December, opposition parties holding a majority in the Legislative Yuan rejected the Cabinet’s proposal to reconsider the amendments.
The administration added that it has coordinated with most local governments to support the subsidy program. It will also work with local authorities to explore expanding the amount and eligibility of the subsidies to improve seniors’ dental health.
Taiwan Dental Association Secretary-General Tseng Shih-che (曾士哲) urged the ministry to provide subsidies for seniors for teeth cleaning, oral checkups, and fluoride treatments to help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. He said the program needs to be upgraded to address rising costs for denture fitting and maintenance, as well as increasing material and lab fees.
