Taipei, June 28 (CNA) A new government policy aimed at boosting Taiwan's birth rate will take effect in July, allowing an increase in the number of prenatal check-ups covered by national health insurance (NHI) and revising the country's parental leave regulations, among other measures.
The policy, approved by the Cabinet in May, earmarks NT$9.1 billion (US$326.27 million) for incentives such as NHI coverage for up to 14 prenatal health checks, instead of the current 10, and a maximum seven days paid leave for such visits, compared to five at present.
Under the plan, the amount paid during parental leave for up to six months before a child reaches three years will be increased from 60 percent to 80 percent of the person's insured salary, and it will be payable via national employment insurance.
Meanwhile, the regulation pertaining to unpaid parental leave has been revised and will also take effect in July. Parents will be no longer be required to opt for six-month blocks of such unpaid leave but rather will be able to apply for one to six months off, until a child reaches the age of three years.
As part of the government's efforts to boost Taiwan's low birth rate, it is also set to expand NHI coverage for infertility treatments, which currently extends only to low- and middle-income married couples.
Starting in July, married couples of all income levels will be eligible for NHI coverage of up to NT$100,000 for their first infertility treatment and NT$60,000 for any subsequent treatments, according to the new government policy.
There are conditions, however, which include an age limit of 45 for the wife and a requirement that at least one partner in the marriage must be a Taiwanese national.
