On October 3, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) officially released its report on the general review of the 2nd Generation NHI plan. At the same time, the MOHW provided explanations of this initial assessment. The report contains 36 policy recommendations, 11 of which were designated as ready for implementation following appropriate deliberations. Among these are policies that will provide guidance to high frequency users of health care services. Recommendations that require medium- to long-term study and review will gradually be implemented as researchers and experts make their suggestions. 

After the implementation of the 2nd Generation NHI plan on January 1, 2013, opinions on supplementary premiums and other new aspects of the plan have been brought forth from all sectors of society. In response to this feedback, in March 2013 Minister Wen-Ta Chiu brought Professor Ching-chuan Yeh of Tzu Chi University together with six other experts to form a 2nd Generation NHI Review Task Force. They were asked to select key issues and discuss ways to address them. After one year of deliberations, the seven member task force submitted its initial report to the MOHW in April 2014. The report covered three general topics: Organization, Coverage and Income, and Expenditures. The report, which spans 9 chapters and contains over 15,000 characters, presents 36 policy recommendations. 

Of these 36 recommendations, 11 have been implemented after being evaluated by the MOHW and they will continue to remain in effect; a further 21 have already been partially implemented. However, several recommendations still require mid- to long-term review before implementation will be possible. As regards premiums reform, international research on the introduction of new medicines, a long-term planning committee and other recommendations which promise broad-ranging effects, more time is required for planning. These will be addressed in the next round of reform talks. 

To access the full report, please log on to the MOHW website at http://www.mohw.gov.tw/ (Chinese only).