The Legislative Yuan passed the 22nd amendment to the "Elderly Welfare Law" on the third reading today (16th), which provides for the central government to fully subsidize the health insurance premiums of the elderly whose comprehensive income tax rate does not reach 20%. Zhuang Ruixiong, secretary-general of the Legislative Yuan Caucus of the Democratic Progressive Party, said that the current health insurance premium subsidies for the elderly vary among counties and cities and are indeed worthy of review. However, unified subsidies from the central government and differentiation based on age are indeed contrary to the principles of fairness and justice, causing generational injustice. In the long run, premiums or tax burdens may increase.
Zhuang Ruixiong pointed out that this morning’s consultation between the government and the opposition, the Ministry of Health and Welfare had stated that this revision of the law would increase expenditure by 38.8 billion yuan. Today the proposal of the People's Party and the Kuomintang was passed through a forced vote, but the two parties did not propose where the money would come from. This is really irresponsible. "The majority in Congress can determine the outcome of the vote, but it cannot vote on fiscal responsibility as well. You cannot accept the applause when you announce benefits, and then throw the bill to the Executive Yuan when you ask about the source of the money."
Zhuang Ruixiong said that striving for people's welfare is a common goal, but the division of powers and responsibilities between the executive and the legislative must be respected. The Executive Yuan must consider revenue, expenditure and the order of administration as a whole, while the Legislative Yuan is responsible for review and supervision. "The opposition parties cannot just pick one item at a time and then ask the Executive Yuan to ensure that the entire budget can be paid in the end."
Zhuang Ruixiong pointed out that Finance Minister Zhuang Cuiyun stated that national tax revenue increased by 700 billion yuan from January to September this year compared with the same period last year, of which the central government increased by 250 billion yuan and the local government increased by 450 billion yuan. After the fiscal planning law was revised, 95.5% of business tax revenue was allocated to local governments. Although the national business tax amounted to more than 600 billion yuan, the central government only received 28 billion yuan. "The increase in taxes across the country does not mean that every money goes into the pocket of the central government. When the income cannot be calculated, the central and local governments are added together, but when a check is written, it is all paid by the central government."
Zhuang Ruixiong questioned the opposition party's frequent use of "AI dividends" as a source of financial resources, from future accounts and universal cash payments of 20,000 yuan to increasing support for old farmers.
Zhuang Ruixiong emphasized that the seven major medical groups had jointly issued a warning before the vote. Budgets for long-term care, subsidies for elderly farmers, childcare and child protection also need to be stabilized. "The country is just a piece of cake. We can't all rush to cut it, but no one cares whether it's enough. We can't lose a share of care just because someone's voice is small."
Zhuang Ruixiong said that the low income tax rate for those over 65 years old does not necessarily represent financial difficulties. Subsidy qualifications should fully consider the actual financial ability, and give priority to families in need. "Fairness cannot stop at health insurance bills. Elders in a super-aged society also need long-term care services, preventive health care, and health insurance medical care. When the bill is passed, the responsibility has just begun. We cannot ignore the bills after the votes are cast."
