The Chinese New Year vacation lasts a period of nine days (from February 6 to February 14) this year. To ensure barrier-free access to medical care and uninterrupted medical care services during the vacation, the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has coordinated with healthcare facilities to launch NHI-affiliated support measures that provide people with complete medical care information as well as the following services and measures:
1.Convenient medical care:
(1)Barrier-free access to medical care for the general public:
Financially disadvantaged people will not have their NHI cards locked if they cannot afford the premium. Citizens can be assured that there will be no barriers for them when they seek medical treatment at healthcare facilities during the Chinese New Year vacation.
(2)Inquiry service for healthcare facility consultation hours:
People who require medical treatment during the Chinese New Year vacation for injuries or illnesses can take advantage of the NHIA's website ([Link]) or download the NHI mobile app in order to check medical care availability and to choose a suitable facility for medical attention.
(3)Medical services covered by the IDS plan available during the Chinese New Year vacation in mountainous areas and offshore islands:
Most sightseeing areas in mountainous areas and on offshore islands are covered by the NHIA's IDS plan, for which medical care services will be available in coordination with local hospitals during the Chinese New Year vacation. Tourists can seek medical attention at local medical care stations in case of any physical discomfort.
(4)Advance follow-up consultations or advance dispensing of drugs for patients with chronic diseases:
Patients with chronic disease whose follow-up consultations fall on Chinese New Year, or whose refill prescriptions expire during the vacation can come for their review or have their prescription refilled in advance from January 27 to avoid discontinued medication during the vacation.
(5)Exception medical care in cases of lost or damaged NHI cards:
If individuals lose or damage their NHI cards during the Chinese New Year vacation, they can fill up the "exception medical care" form at a healthcare facility by presenting the original copy of identification to receive medical care that is covered by NHI. Those who are incapable of paying the NHI premium but need to be hospitalized, require emergency care or critical/acute outpatient care can be treated with NHI coverage by presenting a poverty certificate issued by their borough chief or by the contracted healthcare facility where they seek medical attention.
(6)Uninterrupted prior review for NHI-covered healthcare services:
To ensure that patients requiring emergency treatment during the Chinese New Year vacation can be treated successfully, the NHIA established the "Guidelines for Prior Review during Chinese New Year Vacation 2016." In cases of emergency applications for prior review, healthcare facilities can provide medical care first and prepare related documents later to file for reference through the electronic professional review system (PACS) or facsimile. They can apply with the NHIA by supplementing documents for review. The public's rights will not be compromised.
2.Convenient premium payment service:
There are already a variety of options available for paying the NHI premium. During the Chinese New Year vacation, members of the public can pay at convenience stores, through kiosks, or online ([Link]).
3.The NHI toll-free line (0800-030598) is available around the clock:
Staff on rotating shifts every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the Chinese New Year vacation will be available at 0800-030598 to answer inquiries and to help with emergency reporting. Members of the public can also take advantage of the online inquiry service to obtain related information on NHI.