Taiwan medical professionals urge expanded COVID-19 test coverage

Taiwanese medical professionals are calling for an expansion of National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for COVID-19 rapid antigen tests as the virus enters a new period of circulation. Currently, NHI coverage is limited to high-risk groups and those requiring antiviral medications. General patients seeking testing at medical clinics must pay approximately 300 TWD out-of-pocket.

Lin Ying-ran, chairman of the Republic of China Primary Care Medical Association, noted that many patients decline testing due to the cost, which may lead to an increase in undetected cases. He also highlighted that the current reimbursement rate of 150 points for clinics barely covers procurement costs, suggesting it be raised to 300 points to match influenza testing.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Health Insurance Administration plan to convene discussions with medical associations and professional societies in mid-September to evaluate whether to relax testing coverage requirements during this epidemic period.