President Lai Ching-te announced 18 new measures today as part of a new population strategy for Taiwan, including an upgrade to fertility treatment subsidies. The subsidy for the second and third IVF cycles will be aligned with the first, providing up to NT$150,000 for those under 40 and NT$130,000 for those aged 40 to 45. The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) explained that this tiered design encourages earlier treatment, as success rates are higher for younger patients. The HPA noted that many couples who do not succeed in their first cycle have a chance to conceive in subsequent attempts. This policy aims to reduce the financial burden on couples and provide stable support for families. The new subsidy scheme is expected to take effect in January 2027, with an estimated 5,000 beneficiaries annually and a total budget of approximately NT$2.9 billion per year.
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- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: policy_news