2026 Latest Healthcare and Livelihood Policy Summary: Key Adjustments for Medical Care, Childcare, and Elderly Benefits

1. Tiered Medical Care and Co-payments: The National Health Insurance Administration continues to promote tiered medical care by increasing co-payments for outpatient services at some hospitals. This encourages patients with minor illnesses (e.g., colds, stomach discomfort) to prioritize visiting primary care clinics, optimizing medical resource allocation. 2. Chronic Disease Prescription Refills: Stable chronic disease patients (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), after physician assessment, can receive prescription refills for up to 3 months, reducing the burden of frequent hospital visits. However, regular follow-up appointments are still required. 3. Major Illnesses and NHI Drug Coverage: The eligibility threshold for cholesterol-lowering drug coverage has been relaxed, benefiting an estimated over one million patients with potential annual savings of up to NT$5,694. The coverage of certain new cancer and rare disease drugs will also continue to be reviewed. 4. Other Healthcare and Childcare Policies: Starting September 1st, the age limit for free infant dental fluoride application will be extended to 'children under 6 years old who have not yet started primary school.' Additionally, subsidies for the 2nd and 3rd cycles of IVF treatment will be increased to NT$150,000. 5. Chongyang Festival Elderly Gift Money: Chongyang Festival gift money for the elderly in all 22 cities and counties will be distributed sequentially starting in September. In some areas, eligible seniors aged 65 and above can receive a cash bonus of NT$10,000, automatically deposited as early as September 1st.