Miaoli Senior Registration Fee Subsidy Program Sees Low Uptake, Audit Office Urges Expansion of Partner Clinics

A recent audit report has highlighted low uptake for Miaoli County's program subsidizing outpatient registration fees for elderly residents. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to ease healthcare costs for those aged 65 and above, and indigenous individuals aged 55 and older, while promoting a tiered medical system. However, the audit found that after nearly three years, the program has only secured partnerships with approximately 10% of the county's clinics, and fewer than 30% of eligible citizens have utilized the subsidy.

The audit report indicates that the program's effectiveness has fallen short of expectations. While the county government allocated significant funds, with 1.38 million yuan added in 2023 and 17.7 million yuan budgeted for both 2024 and 2025, the actual spending has been considerably lower. In 2024, only about 5.67 million yuan was spent, a utilization rate of just 32.05%. As of late August 2025, spending stood at 4.81 million yuan, or 27.21%.

The report further details that out of 379 clinics in Miaoli County, only 33 had signed agreements to participate in the subsidy program by August of the previous year. Including 11 institutions that already offered free registration for seniors, the total number of participating clinics reached 44, representing just 11.61% of all clinics. Given Miaoli's status as an "ultra-aged society" by WHO standards, the audit office urged the Health Bureau to actively recruit more medical facilities.

In response, the Health Bureau stated it would collaborate with the Physician Association to enhance publicity and continue inviting primary care clinics to join. They plan to strengthen promotional efforts through their official website, which features a dedicated section on the subsidy program and an updated list of participating clinics, aiming to boost the utilization of this welfare measure.