1,600,000 Armenian residents will be included in the mandatory health insurance system in 2026 – Minister
YEREVAN, October 1. /ARKA/. Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan announced the categories of citizens who will be covered by the mandatory health insurance system starting in 2026.
"In 2026, the mandatory health insurance system will include individuals under 18 and over 65, as well as individuals with disabilities. The state will cover 100% of the costs. This system will also include 190,000 employed individuals whose monthly income exceeds 200,000 drams. The cost of the health insurance package will be 129,600 drams per year, paid monthly," Avanesyan stated.
Thus, during the first stage of the three-year transition to a universal health insurance system (2026-2028), 1,600,000 Armenian residents will be covered.
Responding to questions from the Novosti-Armenia agency, Avanesyan noted that the health insurance will cover preventive care, screenings, treatment at a medical center, medications (up to 50,000 drams per day), and ambulance services.
"The list of illnesses and surgeries covered by the health insurance will be approved by the government, but it will include the most common ones, as well as those with the highest mortality rates," Avanesyan said, without providing details.
As for whether the healthcare infrastructure will be able to withstand a surge in the number of people who haven't seen a doctor for years due to high costs, Avanesyan assured that last-minute visits only increase the cost of services.
"Services will be available only with a doctor's prescription. The infrastructure will also gradually develop over the next three years," Avanesyan said.
As for employer participation in payments, it is currently voluntary. However, the state will provide income tax benefits to employers who cover employee health insurance payments.
"The range of medical services provided under health insurance will gradually expand. It is planned that by 2028, 85% of Armenia's population will be covered by the health insurance system," Avanesyan said, noting that registration is required to be included in the system.
She added that refugees from Artsakh must obtain Armenian citizenship to become beneficiaries of the health insurance system.
