According to a statement by the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI), as of September 2009, the allocation of the tobacco health and welfare surcharge in subsidizing National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums for less-privileged people has benefited 310,000 people, with the subsidies amounting to NT$ 210 million. The BNHI said that in line with the adjustment of the tobacco health and welfare surcharge since June 1st, 2009, 4% of the adjusted tobacco health and welfare surcharge collected will be set aside to subsidize NHI premiums for economically disadvantaged people according to the "Tobacco Control Act" and the "Application and Distribution Regulations for Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge".

        The BNHI stated that this subsidy measure for NHI premiums aims to provide assistance to economically disadvantaged families. There are 2 levels of subsidization criteria and standards: Level 1) With the monthly income per person (the total family income divided by the number of family members) being less than 1.5 times the minimum living expense for the current year and no more than the average consumption expenditure, the subsidy will be 50% of the insurance premium; Level 2) with the monthly income per person (the total family income divided by the number of family members) being between 1.5 and 2 times the minimum living expense and no more than 1.5 times the average consumption expenditure, the subsidy will be 25% of the insurance premium (As in the case of the insured who enroll for insurance at township offices, each person should pay the insurance premium of NT$ 659 per month; those who qualify for Level 1 should be subsidized for NT$ 330 per month, and those for Level 2 should be subsidized for NT$ 165 per month).

        In order to implement this subsidy measure for less-privileged people’s NHI premiums, the BNHI began receiving and processing applications from those who need subsidies in each district branch since May 15, 2009. In addition, for people whose income from the National Pension has reached a certain standard of review, the BNHI will take the initiative to contact the Ministry of the Interior for related information and approve their qualifications for subsidies from the tobacco health and welfare surcharge; people do not need to file another application.

         Through the collaboration of the BNHI and relevant units, this subsidy measure has received a positive response from the public, and 310,000 less-privileged people have benefited from the measures.