Overview
- The health ministry set out a review that would raise the outpatient cost cap for people aged 70 and over under the special rule for clinic visits.
- The many-times relief that further lowers payments from the fourth claim within 12 months would stay at current levels to safeguard long-term treatment.
- Income categories would be subdivided so patient contributions align more closely with ability to pay.
- Advisers were told the direction on December 5, with formal discussions to include patient groups before a final proposal is compiled by year-end.
- The move follows a cap-hike plan frozen last year after cancer patient groups objected, as economic advisers again pressed for conclusions on cost-sharing reforms this month.