Taitung Enhances Childcare Support: Health Insurance Fees Waived for Children Under 6 Starting July

(Central News Agency reporter Li Hsien-feng, Taitung, 13th) Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling announced today that children under the age of 6 will be exempt from national health insurance premiums starting in July. Concurrently, the county launched the upgraded fourth-generation 'TT BABY' newborn-exclusive birthday gift box, further strengthening its childcare support system and reducing families' medical and caregiving expenses.

Taitung County hosted a 'Baby Crawl Competition' today at the Taitung City Children and Family Welfare Center, featuring 40 adorable infants. Amid laughter and cheers, the event celebrated the enhancement of Taitung's childcare welfare policies, showcasing the county government's tangible achievements in building a family-friendly city.

Magistrate Yao emphasized that children are the most precious treasures of every family and the future hope of Taitung. The county has been systematically building a comprehensive childcare support network, covering prenatal and postnatal care, public childcare services, parenting centers, childcare allowances, and children's healthcare.

Yao announced a new subsidy policy this year providing full coverage of national health insurance premiums for children aged 0 to 6. The program, estimated to cost approximately NT$38 million from July to December 2026, will see the county government automatically pay the premiums for eligible children. Eligibility begins upon birth registration and household registration in Taitung County. For families relocating from outside the county, a minimum of one year of continuous residency is required.

As of the end of May, there were 7,507 children aged 0 to 6 in Taitung County. Even if a child is covered under a parent's or relative's insurance plan, they remain eligible for the subsidy. Yao stressed that the county strictly adheres to fiscal discipline and maintains zero debt. Through cross-departmental integration, budgets are allocated to the most critical areas. Starting this year, the county also covers health insurance premiums for residents aged 70 and above who have been registered in Taitung for at least one year. In February, the county implemented free school lunches for all public elementary and junior high school students. Beginning in the 2026 academic year, the free lunch program will expand to include teachers and caregivers at public kindergarten programs and county-operated kindergartens, as well as students at private elementary and junior high schools, gradually realizing the vision of universal care.

Additionally, the county's Public Health Bureau launched the 'Mommy Delivery Pack' this year. Expectant mothers who check into designated birthing hospitals in Taitung County will receive a delivery kit including a dedicated maternity bag, nursing pads, and postpartum pads.

The county's Social Affairs Department continues to enhance the 'TT BABY' childcare birthday gift. Department Director Chen Shu-lan stated that since its launch in 2021, over 5,000 'TT BABY' gift boxes have been distributed. This year marks the fourth redesign, introducing a fully custom-designed concept for the first time. New additions include a dedicated children's bag and stroller hook for greater convenience during outings. The package now includes a measuring tape for abdominal circumference and features an upgraded, larger-sized diaper pad. Designed to combine practicality, aesthetics, and commemorative value, each gift aims to be a thoughtful companion for new families and a heartfelt blessing from the county government for every new life.

In addition to policy announcements and achievements, the event featured a highly anticipated baby crawl competition, attracting 40 enthusiastic participants. Divided into 'Crawl' and 'Carry' categories, the fun contest was kicked off by Magistrate Yao and Council Speaker Wu Hsiu-hua with a starting whistle. Awards were presented to the top three in each category. The little participants, cheered on by parents and relatives, crawled forward with determination—some sprinting full speed, others pausing to explore the course, and a few momentarily distracted by toys—creating a heartwarming atmosphere filled with laughter and applause.