Taiwan's health ministry has set out plans to raise medical fees under the national health insurance scheme. But Cabinet spokesperson Lo Ping-cheng said on Thursday that for most people, the increase should not amount to more than NT$200 (US$7) a year.
The ministry says that fees for regular check-ups, picking up medical prescriptions, and minor medical care will likely increase, but not for at least another six months. In terms of receiving long-term medical treatment, medical fees should remain the same for the first two to three visits.
Lo says that this medical fee adjustment should also not affect people from poorer backgrounds or people who need intensive medical care.
Lo adds that Taiwan's health care system is one of the best in the world, which has been proved by the medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Lo says that the national health insurance system does not have unlimited resources and it needs a slightly higher contribution to keep the same high-quality medical care.