RA Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan referred to the concept of comprehensive health insurance during the NA-Government question-and-answer session, presenting its details.
According to Avanesyan, it aims to improve population standards and reduce premature mortality as a necessary social guarantee. According to him, catastrophic healthcare expenses lead to the impoverishment of families, and inaccessibility of services, although the state tries to ease the financial burden every year.
Avanesyan said that this reform would affect the increase in access to services and their quality component, “Stable financing of the system and pre-payment principle leads to prevention of diseases, early detection and provision of health services at the right time, which is more cost-effective and has favorable outcomes.”
The minister mentioned that the system would be introduced gradually. In 2025 pensioners will be included based on the principle of insurance at the state’s expense.
Avanesyan emphasized that mixed financing was adopted in the concept, “After studying the experience of different countries, it is the most stable option. Shortly, in 2024, we will have a unified insurance package for all citizens benefiting from the state order; the confusing and fragmented system operating today will be replaced by one package for all beneficiaries.” According to Avanesyan, for example, 2nd and 3rd class disabled people will not have a differentiated package of services but will be unified.
Anahit Avanesyan also informed that a five-year strategy for the healthcare sector would be adopted shortly.
