Romanian Govt To Decide On Exemptions From Healthcare Co-Payment - Sources

They also said it is expected that pensioners with income below 1,000 lei (EUR1=RON4.2531), war veterans and youngsters aged under 18 will be among social categories liable for exemptions from co-payment.

The Government pledged that it will introduce the co-payment system for healthcare services and that the weight of exemptions from co-payment will not exceed 40% of patients, according to Romania's loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission.

The draft law regulating the healthcare co-payment system was submitted to the Government by Health Ministry officials at the end of April, but Finance Ministry officials asked at the time that it be revised, arguing that some of its provisions still put pressure on the state budget.

In March this year, Romania's Government approved a draft law drawn up by the Health Ministry regarding the introduction of a co-payment system for public healthcare services, and the draft law was sent to the Parliament which was to decide if the bill would enter force starting July 1, 2010.

The total yearly cost of health vouchers per person will not exceed RON600 and consultations, investigations and hospital days beyond this margin will be free of charge.

Romania's loan agreement with the IMF is part of a larger EUR20 billion package that includes funds from the European Commission, the World Bank and other foreign lenders. An IMF mission is in Bucharest until August 4 for a fifth review of Romania's performance under the loan program.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.