Taipei:Premier Cho Jung-tai has decided not to countersign an amendment that mandates the central government to cover National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums for certain seniors, as confirmed by Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lee provided three reasons for Cho's refusal to countersign the amendment to Article 22 of the Senior Citizens Welfare Act. The amendment, which would cost an estimated NT$40 billion annually, aims to fully cover NHI premiums for eligible seniors, accounting for approximately 80 percent of those aged 65 and older. It also intends to relieve local governments from the responsibility of covering medical expenses not reimbursed by NHI for seniors unable to afford them.
The amendment was passed by the Legislature with a 60-39 vote, supported by the opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party, who together hold a majority. The Cabinet's primary concern is that the amendment would infringe on its authority over policymaking and budgeting, necessitating additional government spending. This, Lee argued, would violate Article 70 of the Constitution and Article 91 of the Budget Act. There is also concern that low-income seniors could lose medical assistance, as no other law requires local governments to cover their medical costs.
Additionally, the Cabinet fears the financial burden will increase as Taiwan's population ages, potentially reducing funding for other public programs. Cho's decision adds to the number of bills blocked from taking effect amid political tensions between the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and opposition parties. Opposition parties claim the countersignature requirement is meant to limit presidential power, not to allow the premier to override legislative decisions. They argue the Cabinet should request lawmakers to reconsider opposed legislation.
