Great News for Parents! Legislators Propose Full Government Subsidy for Health Insurance Premiums for Children Under 6

Following the Legislative Yuan's recent third reading of the 'Taiwan Child and Youth Growth and Future Account Act,' the Kuomintang (KMT) caucus continues to focus on addressing low birth rates and reducing the burden of child-rearing. KMT legislator Hsu Yu-chen announced on the 1st that the party caucus will push for an amendment to Article 27 of the 'Child and Youth Welfare and Rights Protection Act,' proposing that the central government fully subsidize national health insurance premiums for children under the age of six. The goal is to establish a comprehensive support system that covers children's medical care and future development.

The KMT is stepping up its child-rearing policy initiatives. After the passage of the Child Future Account Act, the party is now proposing full central government funding for health insurance premiums for children under six. According to reporting by ETtoday, if the amendment passes, the central government will fully cover health insurance costs for all children under six.

Hsu Yu-chen pointed out that, based on the current regional health insurance premium of NT$826 per month, this policy would save each family nearly NT$10,000 annually per child. She emphasized that this would provide substantial and stable financial relief, especially for families with multiples, single parents, or those facing heavier economic burdens.

Citing the latest statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, Hsu highlighted that Taiwan's demographic shift is accelerating. In the first half of this year, the number of newborns dropped to just 46,344—down 9,031 from the same period last year. Taiwan's total population has now declined for 30 consecutive months. She stressed that low birth rates have become a national security issue affecting labor supply and fiscal sustainability, requiring systematic policy responses rather than fragmented subsidies.

Hsu noted that the previously passed 'Taiwan Child and Youth Growth and Future Account Act' provides a NT$60,000 startup fund for newborns, with an additional NT$60,000 added annually until age 18. Combining this with full health insurance subsidies for children under six would create a more holistic and supportive child-rearing environment. She called on the executive branch and all political parties to work together to promote the enactment and further amendment of related laws, responding concretely to public expectations for improved parenting conditions.