Armenian Parliament approves bill on mandatory health insurance; the reform will come into force in 2026
YEREVAN, December 17. /ARKA/. The draft law on mandatory health insurance was adopted in its second and final reading at an extraordinary session of the National Assembly of Armenia on Wednesday.
As stated by Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan, general health insurance packages will be activated on January 1, 2026, with the payment date set for January 20.
According to the minister, November will be considered the first month for calculating insurance premiums, as December is an exceptional month for the additional calculation of salaries and bonuses.
"Our goal is for the overwhelming 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," Avanesyan said.
According to her, the insurance will finance primary healthcare, emergency care, and inpatient treatment. "The specific list of services will be approved by government decision," Avanesyan added.
The minister noted that the insurance is universal and will include all citizens of Armenia, but it will not cover the full range of medical needs of each individual.
"It is aimed at mitigating conditions and illnesses that are the main drivers of morbidity and mortality, as well as ensuring the best treatment outcomes," Avanesyan emphasized.
About the compulsory health insurance system in Armenia
The first stage of the three-year (2026-2028) reform of the compulsory health insurance system in Armenia will begin in 2026. The system will include two groups: individuals whose insurance is financed by the state—minors under 18; individuals aged 65 and older; individuals aged 18–65 with disabilities (I, II, III); and families with 28 or more social deprivation points. In the first stage, 1.7 million Armenian residents will be covered by the system. For them, 100% of the costs will be covered by the state.
In the second stage, starting in 2027, individuals with salaries of up to 200,000 drams will be included, followed by other groups, including those employed in agriculture and their families, starting in 2028.
The cost of the health insurance package is 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 allocates 127 billion drams for the implementation of the health insurance system. ($1 - 381.76 drams).-0-
