Miao County's exemption of health insurance premiums for those over 65 years old has sparked heated debate. Zhong Dongjin instructed to hit the road on New Year's Day next year.

The issue of exempting health insurance premiums for seniors over 65 years old in Miaoli County has sparked heated discussions in the 2026 nine-in-one election. Miaoli County Magistrate candidate Chen Pin'an of the Democratic Progressive Party emphasized that after being elected, health insurance coverage for seniors over 65 years old and aborigines over 55 years old will be implemented on New Year's Day next year. County Magistrate Zhong Dongjin, who is seeking re-election, instructed the Social Affairs Department to study the implementation method as soon as possible at the county executive meeting today (10th), hoping to launch it on New Year’s Day next year. In order to allow all elders to enjoy fair health rights, the rich will not be excluded, and about 110,000 people will benefit.

In June this year, Chen Pin'an proposed that the health insurance premiums for elders over 65 years old and aborigines over 55 years old should be subsidized by the Miaoli County government. The Democratic Progressive Party Group of Miaoli County Council also recently held a regular meeting to propose a proposal, hoping that Miaoli's elders can receive more equitable care. The Kuomintang League proposal proposes that the central government fully subsidize the health care premiums of those over 65 years old to reduce the burden of raising children.

Due to the Executive Yuan's refusal to countersign the draft amendment to the "Elderly Welfare Act", Chung Dong-jin recently emphasized that "the central government will not do it, but local governments will do it" regarding the policy of exempting 65-year-olds from health insurance premiums. He also said that this policy adheres to the principle of "the government treats everyone fairly", and it is estimated that a full-year budget of 600 million yuan will be prepared.

The election for the next county magistrate has reached a decisive moment. On the 8th, Chen Pin'an held the founding meeting of the support association in Nanzhuang and Tongxiao. He emphasized that after being elected, full subsidies for the health insurance premiums of elders over 65 years old will be implemented immediately in January next year, so that Miaoli elders can receive more equitable care.

Zhong Dongjin also stated at the county council meeting held today that the Social Affairs Department and the Chief Planning Office are requested to discuss implementation measures as soon as possible and standardize relevant measures, including the one-year requirement for registration. In addition, in order to allow all elders to enjoy fair health rights, the rich will not be excluded and the program will be launched on New Year's Day next year. The Social Affairs Department and the Chief Planning Office are also requested to discuss relevant measures and budgetary support.