The Executive Yuan today passed an amendment proposing that mainland students in Taiwan be included in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The amendment to the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area will be submitted to the Legislature for review.
Premier Sean Chen commented that the move is intended to give mainland students the same health coverage as those of overseas Chinese and foreign students in Taiwan, underscoring the government's concern and respect for the rights of all. The change will also foster a friendly learning and living environment for mainland students, which will aid exchanges between youth on both sides of the strait.
To complete the legislation process as soon as possible, Premier Chen asked the Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Health and Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) to rally support from legislators. He also directed the MOE and related agencies to complete drafting complementary administrative measures and regulations for implementation.
The MAC stated that according to the NHI Act, non-ROC citizens wishing to join the insurance program must obtain proof of residency. Currently, mainland students in Taiwan are granted "temporary stay" rather than the required "resident" status for inclusion in NHI. The amendment is therefore necessary to give mainland students the same access to NHI as their overseas Chinese and foreign peers.