The Executive Yuan officially announced today that it "will not countersign" the 22nd amendment to the "Old Welfare Law" passed by the Legislative Yuan on the third reading.
Blue and White recently passed the 22nd Amendment to the "Elderly Welfare Act", which seriously undermines the spirit of health insurance and deletes the legal source of subsidies for disadvantaged elderly people, triggering strong backlash from all walks of life. Many medical groups, including the All-Federation of Medical Associations, issued statements this week reiterating their opposition. Today (6th), the Executive Yuan officially announced that it "will not countersign" the content of the third reading of the Legislative Yuan. Many medical groups expressed their support, affirming that the Executive Yuan made the right decision, and also called on both the executive and legislative bodies to review the process of amending the law, and to fully communicate before any future law amendments.
The problematic provision of Article 22 of the "Old Welfare Law" was passed in the third reading a few days ago. However, the simultaneous subsidy for the health care premiums of those over 65 years old and the removal of language requiring local governments to subsidize the related expenses of disadvantaged elderly people in the revised law have caused strong concerns from all walks of life. Medical groups have issued statements one after another this week, reiterating their opposition to the content of the revised law and calling on the government not to rush forward with the problematic provisions. The Executive Yuan also officially announced today that it "will not countersign."
Chen Xiangguo, chairman of the All-China Federation of Medical Doctors Association, said that the All-China Federation of Medical Doctors supports the Executive Yuan’s decision not to countersign, and believes that this is the right approach to maintain the sustainable operation of health insurance and maintain fairness and justice for generations. The All-China Federation of Medical Doctors Association also never wants to see the passage of problematic legal provisions, which will cause the financial exclusion of health insurance, impact on the salary adjustment of vulnerable elders and nursing staff, or the medical expenses of cancer, severe diseases, rare diseases, etc., and affect those who really need help.
Chen Liqin, chairman of the National Federation of Nurse Practitioners and Nurses Association, said that the Executive Yuan not counter-signing the 22nd amendment to the "Elderly Welfare Law" is the outcome that the Federation hopes for and is doing the "right thing." Otherwise, once the problematic law is enacted, the elderly who really need help will be missed, and the financial gap caused by the subsidy of health insurance premiums based on age will crowd out other medical and social welfare expenses and become an additional burden on the next generation.
Chen Liqin also emphasized that true medical equality allows those in need to receive adequate care. Any amendments to the law should incorporate the opinions of relevant professional groups. The government should review the current legal amendments with social welfare, medical, and financial related groups. The Executive Yuan and the Legislative Yuan should also communicate well in accordance with my country's fiscal policies to ensure that the amendments will not cause a crowding-out effect and make legal and constitutional decisions.
Huang Lixian, chairman of the National Federation of Dental Associations, also emphasized that the biggest problem with this revision of the law is that "where the money comes from" was never carefully considered during the process, and the text content on protecting the vulnerable was hastily deleted, leaving the vulnerable elderly without any reliance. Such rough discussion methods are very worrying. To avoid a similar situation from happening again, administrative and legislative units must review it carefully and ensure that there is sufficient communication before revising the law in the future.
