In order to support infertile married couples to fulfill their wish of having a child and to reduce their economic burden for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has expanded the scope of the subsidy for IVF, from low-income households and middle-low-income households to all infertile couples, effective on July 1, 2021. If either husband or wife is a citizen of Republic of China and the wife is under 45 years of age, the couple is entitled to apply for the subsidy. It is estimated that this will benefit 23,000 to 28,000 infertile couples each year.
Assisting infertile couples to realize their wish of having a child
In this contemporary society, the phenomenon of late marriage and late childbirth is widespread, with more and more people experiencing infertility problems. In addition to causing physical and mental stress, the high cost of IVF also puts a heavy economic burden on the couples. To create a friendly environment for couples who want to have babies, Premier Su, Tseng-Chang instructed the Executive Yuan to expand the scope of the subsidy to general infertile couples on May 6, 2021. Pursuant to the policy of the Executive Yuan, the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare recently announced the expansion of the infertility treatment (IVF) subsidy program. Eligible people may apply starting July 1, 2021. Regulations are highlighted as follows:
■ Expanded subsidized target population: General infertile couples. Either husband or wife is a citizen of Republic of China, and the wife is under 45 years of age, with a certificate of infertility diagnosis and a need for IVF treatment.
■ Amount of subsidy: Up to NT$150,000/treatment for low-income households or middle-low income households; Up to NT$100,000/treatment for general infertile couples for the first application, and up to NT$60,000/treatment for subsequent applications. The amount of the subsidy may vary depending on the scope of the treatment. If the actual expense of the treatment is less than the maximum amount of the subsidy, the subsidy will be paid based on the actual expense of the treatment.
■ Maximum number of subsidy: Before a successful birth through IVF, up to 6 times subsidy for wife of 39 years of age and below, and up to 3 times for wife of 40-44 years of age (inclusive). If the wife has successfully given birth through IVF, the wife can reapply for the subsidy for another birth, and the number of subsidy will be recalculated based on her age and the aforementioned age range.
■ Required documents: IDs of both husband and wife (original and copy), one original certificate of low-income household or middle-low-income household (exempt for general couples), and payment account information.
■ Application process: When an infertile couple approaches an assisted reproduction institution approved by the Health Promotion Administration for IVF, the institution is responsible for the online application for subsidy qualification on their behalf. After the infertile couple is qualified for the subsidy, the institution is required to offer IVF treatment within one year, and should assist in applying for the subsidy online within six months after the end of the treatment. After verifying the scope of treatment filed by the institution, the Health Promotion Administration will remit the subsidy to the applicant’s designated payment account.
Seeking medical diagnoses early to receive IVF treatment
The Health Promotion Administration calls on couples to seek medical diagnoses early if they have regular sex without any contraceptive measures and the wife has not become pregnant after one year or more. If IVF treatment is needed per doctor’s diagnosis, eligible infertile couples are welcome to apply for the subsidy. For more information on the subsidy for infertility treatment (IVF), visit the Subsidy for Infertility Treatment (IVF) Section under the website of the Health Promotion Administration at https://reurl.cc/zerX07 or contact Health Promotion Administration’s IVF consultation hotline at 02-2558-0900
Website: https://www.mohw.gov.tw/lp-4745-2.html