TPP and KMT pass bill to exempt more seniors from NHI premiums

TPP and KMT pass bill to exempt more seniors from NHI premiums

2026-10-16

With just weeks to the local elections, the KMT and TPP have passed a bill to exempt senior citizens from paying health insurance premiums. When it enters effect, people aged 65 and older whose income tax rate is below 20% will no longer have to pay NHI premiums. That will come at the cost of NT$40 billion a year for the government. The move immediately drew backlash from seven major medical and healthcare associations, and the health minister. Let’s hear more.

Shih Chung-liang
Minister of Health and Welfare
Elections last just a moment. But the National Health Insurance is something the people of Taiwan rely on. The system’s principle that everyone pays according to their financial means is no more. So what now? Are lawmakers going to add even more slipshod clauses to the NHI system?

Hung Tzu-jen
Taiwan College of Healthcare Executive
It is extremely regrettable, and even infuriating to a point. The government already has several policies to exempt seniors aged 65, low-income households and other groups. But this only benefits people who aren’t at a financial disadvantage.

Wu Ming-yen
NHCA
If no money is coming in, someone else has to pay for it. I urge young people to call up the legislators who voted for this bill, and tell them about your opposition to it. Your insurance premiums could increase in the future.

The Mini Ministry of Health and Welfare has voiced concerned about the financial impact of the bill. The KMT and TPP claim the bill excludes wealthier seniors, the income tax rate threshold of below 20% translates to anyone with annual income of up to NT$1.6 million. That is about 83% of senior citizens. If the additional costs is passed down, people aged 15 to 64 could face an extra NT$3,000 or more in annual expenses. If they are covered by tax revenue instead, each tax-paying household would have to shoulder an additional NT$8,000 or more per year.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#premiums #health #costs #kmt #tpp

老人免繳健保費三讀通過石崇良:每人年增3千支出

2026-10-16

選舉前，藍白在立法院通過老人免健保費的修法，65歲以上、所得稅率級距未達20%的長者免繳健保費，一年增加400億支出，隨即引發七大醫事團體反彈，衛福部長石崇良直言這就如同"違章建築"，干擾整個健保制度的運作。

[[衛福部長石崇良]]
“選舉是一時的，但是健保是國人倚賴的。(量能付費)這樣的原則被打破了，那麼接下來又是什麼?還會有什麼越來越多的這種違章建築，去干擾整個健保制度的運作。

[[台灣醫務管理學會理事長洪子仁]]
“我們只能用非常遺憾，而且，甚至帶有一點憤怒的角度來看待這件事情。事實上國家現在已經有很多政策，針對六十五歲以上長者、低收入戶等等給他們免健保費的措施，但是現在的做法是說，他可能不一定是經濟弱勢，你卻硬一定要端這個福利給他。”

[[台灣私立醫療院所協會秘書長吳明彥]]
“這邊沒錢就是你要出錢嘛，所以我鼓勵年輕人，要打電話給那些通過的立法委員，
你要去反對，因為將來你的保費要增加非常多。”

衛福部憂心忡忡，因為藍白宣稱排富，但稅率未達20%的門檻，換算年收入大約160萬，涵蓋約83%的長輩，而天下沒有白吃的午餐，這筆費用如果轉嫁15至64歲人口，每人每年增加3000多元負擔，如果由稅收支應，每個繳稅家庭，一年得多負擔8000多塊。

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民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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The much-awaited mayoral debate between Chiang Wan-an and Puma Shen will be held on the 31 of this month at noon. Eight media outlets including FTV News issued a joint statement inviting Puma Shen and Chiang Wan-an to participate in a second debate. Chiang had previously hinted at the possibility of a second debate, but he now states things are up in the air. Regarding the debate, Shen emphasized he is not adjusting his schedule while being mindful to peak more concisely.

Reporters noticed that Puma Shen had taped two bright strips of kinesiology tape to relieve soreness and fatigue from all this campaigning. He continues to diligently prepare for the highly-anticipated Taipei mayoral debate which will take place on the 31 of this month at noon. But are the candidates ready for the big day?

Puma Shen
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Because sometimes when I speak, I speak for long, but during debates there will be gaps like, 2 minutes or 3 minutes. So I’m practicing to make my sentences shorter, otherwise in the end with fixed speaking times there might be no opportunity to finish speaking which I think is quite important.

Chiang Wan-an
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I intend to go all out, and prepare well.

Both candidates are neck-deep in preparation for the televised debate. However, eight media outlets including FTV have also submitted letters of intent to both sides hoping for a second or even third debate.

Chiang Wan-an
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We will hold for more invitations from organizers and media before coordinating further. There are many ways to schedule, I think all of this will need to be coordinated. Whether or not there will be a second debate, I am open to it.

Rosalia Wu
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Puma Shen signed this agreement immediately. Does that mean Mayor Chiang has already agreed, as Lo Chih-chiang said, he also signed? Does this mean that other media outlets are authorized to hold the debate? Every media outlet has equal rights.

Taipei local
Doubtful of Chiang Wan-an
Of course, the more debates a person participates in, the more they can showcase their competence. Chiang Wan-an gives the impression of being incompetent and ignorant, like a fool reading off a script. But after the debates, the truth will be clearer.

Taipei local
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Debates will allow us, the public, to have a better idea of the bigger picture. I think two debates are OK.

Taipei local
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Let the public test how witty the candidates are. One time is enough, it will be brilliant.

Locals continue to eagerly wait for the 31 of October to watch the debate between Shen and Chiang.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Spanish drag couturier creates dazzling Taiwan-inspired designs

A self-taught drag costume designer from Spain is turning heads with his over-the-top creations, blending traditional Asian motifs and European flair into dazzling stage outfits. From flamenco dresses featuring Taiwanese Hakka prints to elaborate Venetian-inspired clown costumes, Iago Valín has taught himself everything from pattern-making to sewing. After coming to Taiwan as an exchange student 13 years ago, he found more than inspiration here. He found a place where he feels free, accepted, and proud to call home.

A groovy, glowing Christmas tree outfit, a ruffled flamenco dress dotted with Hakka print flowers, and an east-meet-west Venetian carnival jester costume. All of these drag looks shining on stage were created by Iago Valín, from Spain.

Iago Valín
Costume designer from Spain
If you look closely, you’ll see it’s all qipao brocades. So part of it comes from Asia, and part of it comes from Europe. I spent almost 200 hours on this one.

From design and pattern-making, to sewing it all together. Everything to the last stitch was crafted by Iago, who surprisingly is completely self-taught. By watching videos online, he learnt how to make outfits that only get more elaborate and grand.

Iago Valín
Costume designer from Spain
My mom does a lot of traditional crafts, so even since I was young I would see her making lace or dying fabrics. This shirt I also made myself. I used a bedsheet from when I was a kid. It’s full of my childhood memories.

Iago’s talent also extends to languages. He’s from Galicia, an autonomous community in northwest Spain that has a language of its own. In primary school, his family moved to the island of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel close to France. Besides speaking Galician, Spanish, English, French and Mandarin, he’s also studied German and even Ancient Greek and Latin. In university, he double majored in linguistics and Chinese, and fell in love with Taiwan after coming here on exchange.

Iago Valín
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I first came to Taiwan because I was curious. I ended up loving it here. I feel like Taiwan is very free, and I feel really happy here. One part is because I’m gay, and Taiwan is a very accepting society. That was really important. Because when I’m out and about I don’t feel like I’m in danger or anything.

Having lived in Taiwan for 13 years now, Iago’s friends, partner and job are all here. The freedom and diversity of the island have made this his second home, and he’s here to stay.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#costumedesign #drag #梵雅戈 #sewing #taiwan

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A new chapter begins for Tainan Railway Station

Locals in Tainan are witnessing a historic moment! At 10:29 on Friday evening, the century-old Tainan Railway Station will bid farewell to its final train and become a historical landmark. The closing of this beloved station coincides with the opening of the first phase of the underground railway project. The local community flooded the platform as people rushed to capture photos to preserve their memories with the station. Nearby shops also seized the chance to sell commemorative merchandise.

Dozens raise their phones to snap photos and videos. Every inch of the platform was filled with people capturing memories of their beloved station. Tainan Railway’s above-ground platform station will soon be decommissioned. Many locals flocked to the station to capture the last few images of the century-old railway where the lifelong memories were made before the trains are moved underground.

Member of public
Captured the event well
I came from the northernmost point and filmed all the way to the south side, then from the southernmost point to the north as well. I filmed every single one along the way.

Member of public
Capturing final moment
It’s about recording this final moment.

As more locals recorded Tainan Railway Station, they seemed to live through the years of memories made through it.

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Member of public
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I grew up in Tainan. I loved sitting on the train.

The massive farewell has created a lot of opportunity for local businesses, especially those preparing to move into the new underground station. Nearby bubble tea shops even offered special souvenirs such as key chains with purchases over a certain amount, so that customers could share the memory together.

Ms. Chiu
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We use locally produced oranges to make our fresh fruit drinks. We hope more people will know more about Tainan’s fresh fruits.

Wang Yi-lun
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There are pop-up stores, this event will last for a whole month.

Aside from the month-long market to be held at the new station, Taiwan Railways Administration also launched a limited edition iPass with the design of the old station attracting many customers to buy it as a collectible.

Member of public
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I’ll keep it as a souvenir. I won’t open it.

During this period, locals can be seen everyday stopping to take photos of the old railway station, not only recording the trains running through the city but also capturing how the city’s landscape evolves. With the final train departing tonight, a new chapter officially begins for Tainan Railway.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#tra #taiwanrailway #emotional #farewell #monument #tainan

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Lala Mountain designated Taiwan’s first ‘Urban Night Sky Place’

Want to see a night sky full of stars? Head over to Lala Mountain in Taoyuan, which was recently designated an official Urban Night Sky Place. The hard-won honor involved retrofitting over 400 streetlights and working with hotels to reduce light pollution. Now it’s Taiwan’s first place to receive the international certification, with further plans underway to incorporate local Atayal culture to create a new and improved ecotourism hotspot.

A canopy of stars twinkles overhead, like it’s straight out of a storybook. But this dreamy scene is right here in Taiwan, on Lala Mountain in Taoyuan. The area was recently designated Taiwan’s first official Urban Night Sky Place. The mayor went to personally accept the honor.

Simon Chang
Taoyuan Mayor
This is Taiwan’s second Night Sky certification. The first was Hehuanshan, a park. This one is an urban area. Lalashan isn’t urban per se, but according to DarkSky International’s guidelines, any area within 50km of an urban center qualifies. We plan to map out itineraries for visitors to enjoy nature and experience Atayal culture while also stargazing at night.

The city spared no effort in meeting the organization’s standards. Since Taoyuan is adjacent to dense urban areas with severe light pollution, the local government worked hard to retrofit over 400 streetlights, adjusting the angles and adding light shields to make sure the ground stays safely illuminated without affecting the skies. It also worked with hotels to remove unnecessary lighting.

Nalayini Brito-Davies
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The 2026 Taiwan Open of Surfing kicks off on Nov. 6 in Taitung’s Jinzun Harbor. At a press conference before the event, organizers unveiled this year’s highlights.

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The Taiwan Open of Surfing hosted by the Taitung County Government is entering its 16th year. This year’s edition is to be divided into international and domestic events with historic upgrades in competition standards. Beyond serving as a WSL Qualifying Series 6,000 event—one of only four globally—Taitung will be the final leg of the season. Eligibility has also expanded across all seven continents for the first time, with a record-breaking prize pool.

Sports events naturally combine with tourism, especially in a place as beautiful as Taitung. I trust that the county government is working very hard to keep improving this event. It provides more Taiwanese athletes with opportunities to compete alongside and learn from their international peers.

Beyond top-tier surfing, there will also be land-based events for the first time, including a skateboarding jam, street dance battles, and “Wild East Taitung” fitness challenge. Organizers are also promoting travel itineraries for people in town for the competition to enjoy all that Taitung has to offer.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#surfing #WSL #TaiwanOpenofSurfing #sports #Taitung #streetdance #skateboarding

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Next gen Covid vaccine has less side effects: NTU Hospital doctor

Autumn and winter are the peak seasons for flu, Covid and other respiratory illnesses in Taiwan. The government has launched free flu and Covid shots for high risk groups but many people are hesitant because they worry about side effects. Now a top doctor says that a new Covid vaccine is being rolled out that reduces side effects. Older adults and people with chronic illnesses should get their shots as soon as possible as these respiratory illnesses pose a major health risk.

With the weather gradually cooling, autumn and winter mark a period of heightened activity for respiratory viruses, including the flu. Notably, Covid continues to evolve, and recently circulating variants may pose serious risks to the elderly and high-risk groups.

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Individuals with weaker immune systems—such as the elderly or those with underlying chronic conditions—are at risk of developing severe illnesses. This can lead to complications like severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, and may even be life-threatening. Furthermore, people in this high-risk group may develop cardiovascular complications following a Covid infection, such as stroke or myocardial infarction.

According to statistics, people aged 65 and older and those with chronic conditions face an approximately fivefold increase in the risk of a heart attack and a roughly tenfold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke following a Covid infection. Covid vaccines have been updated this year to offer a choice between protein subunit and mRNA technologies; however, despite the rollout of publicly funded vaccination programs, many people remain concerned about potential side effects.

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Medical professionals advise older adults and high-risk groups to get vaccinated as early as possible against both influenza and Covid to build dual protection and reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization from infections during the autumn and winter months.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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