system is flawed because it unfairly favors the rich, the problem with the proposed second-generation NHI lies in its desperation to become a 'Robin Hood' who robs the rich to give to the poor. Under the government's second-generation NHI plan, premiums would be calculated based purely on total household income. Families with identical income levels would be charged the same premiums no matter how many members each family has. This has drawn criticism because it would 'punish singles.' We support the idea of having those who earn more to pay more. However, the goal should be achieved in a fair and reasonable manner. If the new plan were to use 'total personal income' instead of 'total household income' as the basis to calculate premiums, the situation would be greatly improved. Under our proposal, the premium of each individual covered by the compulsory insurance program would be calculated based on his or her total income, with low-income earners and those having no income charged a basic premium of NT$300 per month. If the premium rate were set at 5 percent, a family of four supported by a sole breadwinner earning NT$80,000 a month would have to pay NT$2,100 (NT$1,200 + NT$900 for the three dependents) in premiums per month. A single individual earning NT$80,000 would pay NT$1,200. (Each individual pays 30 percent of the total premium. The individual's employer and the government pick up the balance.) This would satisfy everybody and enable the second-generation NHI system to be introduced early. (April 13, 2010) 