Universal Health Insurance to Launch in 2026: Prime Minister Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan discussed the process of implementing a universal health insurance system. According to Pashinyan, the system will be operational starting January 2026 and will cover everyone, though not all medical services.

He emphasized that the insurance packages will have clear boundaries, including primary and essential services. Avanesyan noted that the most common diseases and their important treatment services have been identified, with a focus on prevention.

She also informed that the annual cost of the package is expected to be 129,600 drams. The state will fully cover the packages for citizens under 18 and those aged 65 and above, as well as individuals with disabilities and certain social groups starting January 1, 2026. Those earning 200,000 drams or more will begin to pay for their packages in 2027.

At the same time, payments to the “Zinapah” fund will be reduced from 5,500 drams to 1,000 drams, while citizens with social credits will be able to receive up to 6,000 drams back each month.

The system will also include mandatory annual screening programs aimed at early disease detection. Pashinyan pointed out that the 200,000 dram threshold was chosen to promote the reduction of shadow salaries.

The Prime Minister stressed that the reform is a long-term process that will transform the healthcare system over time and contribute to economic development.