Elderly Welfare Upgraded: Miaoli County Expands Senior Love Card to Farmers' Markets, Announces Three New Benefits

(Central News Agency reporter Kuan Jui-Ping, Miaoli County, June 17) Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-pin today announced three upgraded elderly welfare measures, including the expansion of the Elder Love Card usage to all county farmers' cooperative stores starting in July, subsidies for elderly health insurance premiums, and the relaxation of eligibility criteria and a shift to a one-time disbursement of the Elder Festival Gift starting in 2027.

The Miaoli County Government's Department of Social Affairs held a press conference today at the County Farmers' Association Food and Agriculture Classroom in Gongguan Township. Magistrate Chung stated that as of the end of May this year, Miaoli County's elderly population has reached 109,099, accounting for 20.58% of the total county population. These three welfare measures are being launched simultaneously to build a senior-friendly city by providing comprehensive support in daily life, healthcare, and economic assistance, thereby enhancing care for seniors and reducing family burdens.

Department of Social Affairs Director Chang Kuo-tung explained in a briefing that to improve the convenience and practicality of the Elder Love Card, its usage will be expanded starting July this year to include 29 new locations, such as farmers' cooperative stores across the county. Cardholders can use their monthly welfare points to purchase agricultural specialty products and daily necessities (excluding alcoholic beverages), with a monthly subsidy cap of 100 points. Additionally, 200 points can be used for taxi rides, directly applying benefits to daily life while supporting local agricultural development.

Furthermore, to reduce the medical burden on elderly residents, a subsidy for elderly health insurance premiums will be implemented starting July 1. Elderly residents aged 80 or above (or aged 70 or above for indigenous people) who have been registered in Miaoli County for at least one year will receive a monthly subsidy of up to NT$826 for their self-paid insurance premiums, saving nearly NT$10,000 annually. Director Chang stated that this subsidy will be processed automatically—'no application, no need to leave home'—with the county government directly paying premiums after cross-referencing data with the National Health Insurance Administration.

Regarding the Elder Festival Gift, previously NT$1,000 was distributed separately during the Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Double Ninth Festival, with recipients required to have actually turned 65 by each festival date. Starting in 2027 (Year 116), the county government will relax eligibility to include anyone who turns 65 during the year and will disburse the full NT$3,000 in a single payment during the Lunar New Year. This allows seniors greater flexibility in planning their living expenses and reduces administrative procedures.

Magistrate Chung, together with representatives from township and municipal farmers' and fishermen's associations and partner companies, jointly launched these three elderly welfare policies. He emphasized that these policies will be reviewed and adjusted on a rolling basis, and the feasibility of further benefit enhancements will be discussed with financial authorities based on fiscal conditions. The goal is to maximize the impact of limited budgets and create a happy, livable city built on the principles of 'respecting, honoring, and caring for the elderly.' (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 1150617