Executive Yuan Approves Increase in Administrative Subsidies for Labor, Farmer, and National Health Insurance – Implementation from 2027

(Central News Agency reporters Yeh Su-ping and Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, July 16) Executive Yuan Premier Cho Jung-tai today approved an increase in administrative subsidies for occupational unions and agricultural/fisheries associations handling labor insurance, farmer health insurance, and national health insurance, effective January 1, 2027. Specifically, the administrative fee for labor insurance and occupational injury insurance will increase from the current NT$14 per person per month to NT$16. For farmer health insurance, the annual subsidy will rise from NT$28 to NT$32 per person.

The Executive Yuan held a cabinet meeting today, during which Premier Cho Jung-tai listened to a report titled 'Increasing Subsidies for Occupational Unions and Agricultural/Fisheries Associations Handling Labor, Farmer, and National Health Insurance Administrative Expenses' and approved it for record.

Premier Cho emphasized that social insurance is the most critical component of the social security system. In recent years, due to changes in the consumer price index and the annual increase in minimum wage, the administrative costs for occupational unions, farmers' associations, and fisheries associations in handling insurance matters have also risen. To reasonably reflect these costs and encourage improved service quality, the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Health and Welfare will increase subsidies for administrative expenses related to labor, farmer, and national health insurance handled by these organizations, effective January 1, 2027.

Cho stated that occupational unions, farmers' associations, and fisheries associations are key partners in the government's efforts to support grassroots farmers, fishermen, and workers. The government will fully support them. The central government's preliminary budget for 2027 is currently being compiled, and he hopes the Legislative Yuan will provide support to help reduce the insurance operation costs for these unions and associations, ensuring the stable operation of the social insurance system and enhancing overall service effectiveness.

The Ministry of Labor announced that starting January 1, 2027, the administrative subsidy for 'those enrolled in labor insurance' will increase from NT$14 to NT$16 per person per month, while the subsidy for 'those enrolled only in occupational injury insurance' will rise from NT$3 to NT$4. The total annual increase in funding is estimated at NT$50.01 million.

The Ministry noted that this adjustment will appropriately reflect the operational costs of labor and occupational injury insurance services and help encourage unions and fisheries associations to improve staff compensation, continue assisting in premium collection, and safeguard insured individuals' rights.

The Ministry of Agriculture reported that as of the end of 2025 (year 114), there were 828,204 farmer health insurance beneficiaries. Based on the principle of equity, the administrative fee for farmers' associations handling farmer health insurance will also be adjusted, increasing from NT$28 to NT$32 per person annually. This adjustment is expected to benefit 287 grassroots farmers' associations nationwide.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that occupational unions, farmers' associations, and fisheries associations are vital partners in Taiwan's National Health Insurance system. They have long assisted in enrollment, withdrawal, data updates, premium collection, and policy promotion for over 5 million insured individuals and their dependents, making significant contributions to protecting public health insurance rights and ensuring the stable operation of the system.

The Ministry added that administrative subsidies for national health insurance will also be increased. The personnel and administrative expenses for occupational unions, farmers' associations, and fisheries associations will rise from the current NT$10 to NT$12 per insured person per month. Additionally, farmers' and fisheries associations will now receive a new postal and telecommunications fee subsidy, matching occupational unions, at NT$17.5 per insured person per month for those who have paid their premiums. The total additional funding is estimated at approximately NT$377 million, benefiting 4,372 occupational unions, farmers' associations, and fisheries associations. (Edited by Yang Lan-hsuan) 1150716