By 2029, majority of Armenia's population will be covered by compulsory health insurance: Minister

YEREVAN, November 28. /ARKA/. By 2029, the vast majority of Armenia's population will be covered by the compulsory health insurance, stated Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan.

At a meeting of the parliamentary committee on health issues on Friday, Avanesyan presented a draft law on compulsory health insurance, emphasizing that it lays the foundation for a new, phased-in healthcare system.

"Our goal is for the vast majority of people to have access to this system and be provided with essential primary medical services by 2029. The law stipulates a phased implementation of the insurance system over a three-year period," the minister noted.

According to her, the law has been developed from the ground up and regulates the entire legal framework for health insurance – from the content of the service package to the reimbursement procedure and complaints review.

She noted that the first stage will begin in 2026, when the system will include two groups: individuals insured by the state—minors under 18; individuals aged 65 and over; individuals aged 18–65 with disabilities (Groups I, II, and III); and families with 28 or more social insecurity points.

The minister announced that in the second stage, beginning in 2027, individuals with salaries of up to 200,000 drams will be included in the system, and from 2028, the remaining groups, including those employed in agriculture and their families.

"Insurance will finance primary healthcare, emergency care, and inpatient treatment. The specific list of services will be approved by government decision," Avanesyan noted.

As previously noted, in 2026—the first stage of the transition to a universal health insurance system (2026-2028)—1.7 million Armenian residents will be covered by the system. For these residents, 100% of the costs will be covered by the state.

The cost of the health insurance package will be 129,600 drams per year, paid monthly. The insurance will cover the most in-demand services, including outpatient care, clinic visits, family doctor visits, specialist consultations, and laboratory tests (a certain number per year).

The list of services will be expanded and refined, covering certain surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmological (cataracts), cardiovascular, and others.

The 2026 budget earmarks 127 billion drams for the implementation of the health insurance system.-0-

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