TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s health ministry said Monday that a KMT proposal to have the government cover National Health Insurance premiums for children aged 0 to 6 requires careful review.
CNA reported that the KMT legislative caucus plans to push the bill as a priority measure. The party said it is aimed at addressing Taiwan’s declining birthrate, per UDN.
The ministry said policies involving major public spending must be examined in light of overall child welfare strategy. “National finances must also be taken into account,” officials added.
“National Health Insurance is based on social insurance and mutual aid,” the ministry said. “Under the system, higher-income earners contribute more to support those with fewer resources,” Commercial Times reported.
“The government already fully or partially subsidizes premiums for low-income and middle-low-income households, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities,” the ministry added. “These subsidies apply under specific eligibility categories.”
The ministry also provides medical subsidies for children under age 3. From 2020 to 2024, spending averaged NT$1.7 billion (US$53 million) per year.
Over that five-year period, the program covered about 8.88 million medical visits. Officials cited the figures to show existing support mechanisms for young children, per SETN.
Subsidies for disadvantaged minors under 18 average NT$150 million per year. About 18,000 people benefit annually.
The ministry said any amendment requiring the central government to cover premiums for all children under 6 would need a comprehensive policy and fiscal review. It did not say when such a review could be completed.
Hung Tzu-jen (洪子仁), president of the Taiwan Society of Health Care Executive, said the proposal could disproportionately benefit wealthier families. “Children’s premiums are tied to their parents’ salaries,” he said.
“If the government covers all premiums for children aged 0 to 6,” Hung said, “higher-income households would receive larger subsidies,” Commercial Times reported.
Hung also warned that allocating state funds for universal child premium subsidies could crowd out the government’s legally required 36% contribution to the insurance system. He said this could weaken the system’s long-term financial sustainability.
