Page 69 - 2018-19全民健康保險年報

Subsidy Programs for the Economically Disadvantaged
Under the NHI’s compulsory enrollment system, it is inevitable that some low-income families and economically-disadvantaged groups may not be able to afford health insurance premiums. To ensure that all citizens have access to care, the NHIA provides many assistance measures aimed at maintaining a strong safety net and the spirit of mutual assistance. The NHIA consequently offers numerous premium payment assistance measures aimed at patients with catastrophic illnesses, such as cancer, kidney diseases requiring dialysis, hemophilia, and mental illness, and economically- disadvantaged citizens. Furthermore, the NHIA also provides medical and economic assistance to people living in remote areas or suffering from rare or critical illnesses. Current assistance measures include premium subsidies, relief loans, and installment payment plans (see Table 6-1 for assistance results).
Premium Subsidies for Disadvantaged Groups
Various levels of government provide NHI premium subsidies to the members of specific disadvantaged groups, including low-income families, the near poor, unemployed veterans, unemployed workers and their dependents, persons with disabilities, and unemployed indigenous citizens under the age of 20 and over the age of 55. A total of approximately NT$25 billion in premium subsidies was provided to roughly 3.03 million individuals in 2016. During 2017, approximately NT$12.5 billion in premium subsidies had been provided to roughly 3.01 million individuals as of June 30, 2018.
照顧弱勢 守護偏鄉
Caring for the Needy and Safeguarding Remote Areas
於短期災民安置中心(福康收容所)說明有關民眾健保 權益。
Explaining the NHI rights and benefits to the public at the temporary disaster victim shelter(Fullkind Shelter).
Relief Loans
The NHIA provides interest-free loans to people facing economic hardship so that they can pay their NHI premiums and unpaid out-of-pocket medical expenses, thus safeguarding their right to care. During 2017, a total of 2,324 loans amounting to NT$174 million were made throughout the year, and 1,107 loans totalling NT$85 million had been made as of June 30, 2018.
Installment Payment Plans
Those who do not qualify for relief loans, but cannot pay their overdue premiums of NT$ 2000 or above at one time due to economic hardship, are eligible to repay the overdue amount in installments. Permission was granted in 77,000 cases to repay NT$2.173 billion in installments in 2017, and permission was granted in 39,000 cases to repay NT$1.106 billion in installments up until June 30 2018.
Referral to Premium Assistance from Public Interest Groups
The NHIA may refer persons unable to pay their NHI premiums to seek assistance from public interest groups, companies, and personal charities.
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