At Thursday's weekly Cabinet meeting, Premier Cho Jung-tai was briefed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the government's welfare and care measures for seniors. The premier said that the government seeks to enhance welfare and care for seniors in four key areas: services for seniors living alone, community support networks, integration of long-term care services, and financial and health security. He also urged the Legislative Yuan to consider the basic livelihood and well-being of seniors and swiftly complete its review of the 2026 supplementary budget bill.
Premier Cho highlighted that, as part of efforts to expand services for seniors living alone, the government aims to complete home visits and needs assessments for 700,000 such seniors by the end of 2027, while also broadening eligibility for subsidies for emergency assistance devices.
To enhance community-based care and increase service coverage, the government will continue setting up community-based care stations nationwide, striving to achieve coverage in over 90% of local communities across Taiwan. These stations provide four core services: welfare visits, telephone wellness checks, communal meal services and health promotion activities.
To refine the Long-term Care Plan 3.0 policy, the government is facilitating the deeper integration of medical and long-term care systems, adopting smart care technologies, improving the accessibility and quality of care services, and enhancing support for families. The premier said these measures aim to fulfill the policy's vision of healthy aging, aging in place and a dignified end of life.
Finally, with regard to strengthening economic security and realizing health equity, the government is increasing the welfare allowance for elderly farmers; National Pension insurance benefits; and living allowances for low-to-middle income seniors. It has also implemented further welfare measures, including National Health Insurance premium subsidies for disadvantaged seniors aged 70 or older; denture subsidies for low-to-middle income seniors; and free annual health checkups for seniors aged 65 or older.