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Evolution of Taiwan’s health care system

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  • Rachel Lu, Jui-Fen
  • Chiang, Tung-Liang

Abstract

This study aims to present an overview of the evolutionary policy process in reforming the health care system in Taiwan, through dissecting the forces of knowledge, social-cultural context, economic resources and political system. We further identify factors, which had a significant impact on health care reform policies in Taiwan through illustrative policy examples. One of the most illuminating examples highlighted is the design and implementation of a single-payer National Health Insurance (NHI) program in 1995, after nearly five years of planning efforts (1988–1993) and a two-year legislative marathon. The NHI is one of the most popular social programs ever undertaken in the history of Taiwan, which greatly enhances financial protection against unexpected medical expenses and assures access to health services. Nonetheless, health care reform still has an unfinished agenda. Despite high satisfaction ratings, Taiwan’s health care system today is encountering mounting pressure for new reforms as a result of its rapidly aging population, economic stagnation, and imbalanced NHI checkbook. Although there may exist some heterogeneous system characteristics and challenges among different health care systems around the world, Taiwan’s experiences in reforming its health care system for the past few decades may provide valuable lessons for countries going through rapid economic and political transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Lu, Jui-Fen & Chiang, Tung-Liang, 2011. "Evolution of Taiwan’s health care system," Health Economics, Policy and Law, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(1), pages 85-107, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:hecopl:v:6:y:2011:i:01:p:85-107_99
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lu, Jui-fen Rachel & Chiang, Tung-liang, 2018. "Developing an adequate supply of health services: Taiwan's path to Universal Health Coverage," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 7-13.
    2. Sheu, Ji-Tian & Lu, Jui-fen Rachel, 2014. "The spillover effect of National Health Insurance on household consumption patterns: Evidence from a natural experiment in Taiwan," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 41-49.
    3. Ya‐Ming Liu & Chon‐Kit Ao, 2021. "Effect of air pollution on health care expenditure: Evidence from respiratory diseases," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(4), pages 858-875, April.
    4. Edwin B. P. de Jong & Kimberly Kuipers, 2020. "Perceptions of Change: Adopting the Concept of Livelihood Styles for a More Inclusive Approach to ‘Building with Nature’," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-21, November.
    5. Yu-Chen Kuo & Jia-Huey Lin, 2020. "Picking the lock: how universal healthcare programs influence entrepreneurial activities," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 54(1), pages 3-24, January.
    6. Li‐Lin Liang, 2015. "Do Diagnosis‐Related Group‐Based Payments Incentivise Hospitals to Adjust Output Mix?," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 24(4), pages 454-469, April.
    7. Ming‐Jui Yeh & Ray Serrano, 2020. "Examining sociopolitical elements of health system reform: The experience of Singapore and Taiwan," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(2), pages 649-657, March.

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