Changes in the Universal Health Insurance Package: New Groups to be Included

The Parliament is discussing the package of amendments and additions proposed by the Government regarding the Law on Universal Health Insurance, and the question of its first reading acceptance. The main reporter, Deputy Minister of Health Lena Nanushyan, reminded that the new Universal Health Insurance system has been operational for three months now, and in her words, "we have a three-month-old newborn."

"We propose to implement a number of changes to the law on Universal Health Insurance, primarily to include a number of groups in the list of general groups. The first is to allow carriers and drivers of passenger transport services operating on an electronic platform to participate in this system starting January 1 of next year," she clarified.

Lena Nanushyan also informed that the circle of persons recognized as beneficiaries under the law on compensation for damages to life or health of military servicemen during the defense of Armenia is expanding.

The next proposed change concerns the relatives of insured individuals. "As you know, since the law was established, related persons could already be insured starting from 2028. However, since various beneficiaries who are already insured and satisfied with the services provided by the system have suggested that relatives, meaning their family members who are not involved in the insurance system, should also be able to pay and participate in the services provided under this insurance system," mentioned the Deputy Minister.

The next amendment proposed is to set the deadline for individual entrepreneurs paying insurance premiums from April 20 of this year to July 20, to ensure proper compliance with their insurance premium payments.

Other changes proposed in the package pertain to the Law on Medical Assistance and Services for the Population.