The ROC Cabinet approved a draft amendment Oct. 11 changing the status of mainland Chinese students in Taiwan from “visitors” to “residents,” potentially removing another obstacle to their receiving National Health Insurance coverage.
“Including mainland Chinese students in the NHI program demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving human rights,” Premier Sean C. Chen said. “This also creates a friendlier living and learning environment, helping bolster exchanges between the youth of both sides.”
Chen, who made the remarks during a weekly Cabinet meeting, said he has directed the Department of Health, Mainland Affairs Council and Ministry of Education to push for approval of the amendment in the Legislature and prepare supplementary measures.
Under the proposed change to the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and Mainland Area, mainland Chinese students in country for more than half a year qualify for NHI coverage at NT$1,249 (US$43) per month. They must pay NT$749, with the ROC government covering the rest.
Sources familiar with the matter estimate that 1,800 mainland Chinese students stand to benefit from the revision if it is approved by the Legislature as expected.
At present, students from abroad, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, are permitted to enroll in the NHI after studying in Taiwan for four consecutive months.
MAC Minister Wang Yu-chi said the draft revisions are based on the principles of fairness and human rights. “The plan showcases our care and warmth for other people, a type of soft power we should all value and be proud of.”
