500 AMD a month for health: Armenia to reduce financial burden of health insurance on population
YEREVAN, November 5. /ARКА/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held discussions with Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan regarding the rollout of a universal health insurance system, as reported by the government press service.
The conversation specifically addressed the payments required from citizens earning 200,000 drams or more. It was highlighted that, beginning January 1, 2027, these individuals will be responsible for the annual cost of the insurance package, but they will not have to bear these expenses in 2026 due to various redistributions. In the long run, strategies should be developed to lessen or completely remove this financial burden.
In particular, contributions to the National Insurance Fund for Servicemen "Zinapah" will be decreased, as analyses indicate that the fund has already gathered enough financial resources through its management revenues to meet its goals. Consequently, the current contribution of 5,500 drams will revert to the previous amount of 1,000 drams, with the additional funds being allocated to the health insurance system.
Social loans and the universal income declaration are also identified as additional tools.
"For citizens earning between 200,000 and 500,000 drams, we have adjusted the annual amount of social credits associated with healthcare, allowing citizens to repay 6,000 drams monthly from these credits. Therefore, when considering both 4,500 drams and 6,000 drams, citizens will hardly feel the financial strain. They will only need to pay 500 drams," Avanesyan explained.
The universal health insurance system will feature mandatory annual screening programs designed for the early detection and prevention of diseases. It was underscored that this initiative will also aid in fostering a new health culture focused on disease prevention and early detection.
Pashinyan clarified the rationale behind selecting 200,000 drams as the threshold.
"Our research indicates that informal employment is most prevalent in the salary range below 200,000 drams. By implementing this measure, we aim to provide an extra incentive for citizens to urge their employers to officially document their salaries to be part of the system. This is the message I want our citizens to receive. Looking ahead, we certainly intend to introduce further initiatives to diminish the informal sector and motivate individuals to earn above 200,000 drams to engage in the system," he stated.
Pashinyan also emphasized that the system will profoundly transform the healthcare landscape and will have a significant effect on the nation's economy.
Regarding the mandatory health insurance system in Armenia
In 2026, during the initial phase of transitioning to a universal health insurance system (2026-2028), 1.6 million residents of Armenia will be included. This group encompasses individuals under 18, those over 65, people with disabilities, and recipients of social benefits. The state will fully cover the costs for these individuals. Additionally, the system will encompass 190,000 employed citizens earning over 200,000 drams monthly. The annual cost of the health insurance package will be 129,600 drams, payable monthly.
The insurance will encompass the most sought-after services, such as outpatient care, clinic visits, family doctor consultations, specialist appointments, and laboratory tests (a specified number per year). The range of services will be broadened and refined to incorporate certain surgical procedures, particularly in ophthalmology (cataracts), cardiovascular care, and more.
The 2026 budget allocates 127 billion drams for the rollout of the health insurance system. ($1 = 382.57 drams)я-0-
