The Legislative Yuan announced that review of the health insurance reform bill will be postponed to after the year-end elections. Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang, the leading proponent of the reform, has found the result disappointing. Yaung urged lawmakers of both parties to keep their promise and pass the bill in December.

Although many had expected legislators to complete their review of second generation health insurance amendments during the extraordinary session this month, lawmakers decided to postpone the review until after the special municipality elections.

When asked about the 27 controversial premium-related articles in the amendment, Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang expressed hopes that lawmakers can first pass the 70 uncontested articles.

At the same time, Yaung declined to address rumors about his pending resignation. The Taiwan Healthcare Reform Foundation is concerned that postponing the review until after the elections could have political ramifications.

Assuming the amendments are passed, it would take 18 to 24 months to implement the new system.

In the meantime, the national health insurance program's financial black hole would continue growing.

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