Premier Refuses To Countersign Bill on Seniors’ Health Insurance

Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai has refused to countersign a bill that would require the government to fully cover national health insurance premiums for eligible senior citizens. Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee says the measure would infringe on the Cabinet’s constitutional authority, could affect low-income seniors’ access to medical assistance, and create rising costs as Taiwan’s population ages. The bill was passed by opposition lawmakers from the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party.