National Health Insurance in Taiwan

Taiwan has achieved nearly universal health insurance coverage by implementing a National Health Insurance (NHI) program. Implemented in 1995, a major goal of the health care reform was to provide equitable access to health care for all citizens including approximately 42 per cent of the population not covered under previous health insurance programs. Other goals included ensuring adequate levels of high quality health care in order to further improve the health status of the population, enhancing efficiency in providing health services, and controlling health care costs within a reasonable range. This book describes the policy-making processes involved in the programs design and implementation.Issues considered include strategies used to achieve the goal of universal enrollment, benefits design, provider contracting, the evolution of provider payment methods, the medical claims review process, management information systems, and cost containment strategies. Also provided is an assessment of the initial and longer term impact, efforts to improve health care quality, and possible future directions.
The Taiwan approach to universal health insurance is considered within an international context, including both positive and negative lessons for countries, including the U.S. and those in the developing world who are other countries seeking to expand health care insurance coverage.Chapter authors include Taiwanese leaders in Taiwan from government and academia who were personally involved in the design, implementation and evolution of the program, as well as both Taiwanese and international experts who have helped in program evaluation. This book reviews a decade of progress and continuing challenges as Taiwan has sought to build an affordable and high quality universal health insurance program. It will serve as a useful reference for health policy makers and others engaged in efforts to ensure greater access to health care through expanded health insurance coverage.