Ministry of Health and Welfare June Reforms: Foreign Talent Included in Long-Term Care, Expanded NHI Coverage for SMA Drugs

Central News Agency, Taipei, June 1. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced new policies for June, including the inclusion of disabled foreign professional talent and their families in long-term care services, benefiting approximately 200 people annually. Additionally, National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage has been expanded to include two new drugs and seven existing ones, with SMA treatment costs for patients potentially reduced by up to NT$6.22 million per year. Wu Hsi-wen, Deputy Director of the Long-Term Care Department, explained that the new policy will take effect on June 30, 2026, aiming to create a friendly environment for foreign talent and improve Taiwan's competitiveness. Eligible individuals include those with permanent residency, 10 years of legal residence, and at least 183 days of stay per year. The expanded NHI coverage includes treatments for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and atopic dermatitis. Specifically for SMA, the age restriction for treatment has been removed, and newborns diagnosed via screening are now eligible. The NHI Administration stated that the new coverage takes effect on June 1, 2026, with estimated drug costs ranging from NT$419 million to NT$1.437 billion over the next five years, while maintaining fiscal sustainability.