We are working on the assumptions for the bill, which is to introduce a system of additional health insurance. Next year, we intend to present the details of the solutions we propose – Minister of Health Bartosz Arłukowicz told PAP on Monday.
Arłukowicz noted that the system of additional voluntary health insurance will be based on the principle of social solidarity.
Insurance regulations must also ensure that people who do not take out insurance will not have limited access to health services. It cannot be that those who can afford additional insurance will be favored. The point is that the insurance should cover procedures that are already paid or performed for an additional fee – emphasized the Minister of Health.
In his opinion, additional insurance will allow the health care system to receive money that Poles spend today, for example, on private medical and dental visits or treatments.
“It will also lead to competition that will improve the quality of treatment. The draft regarding additional health insurance requires detailed provisions regulating the activities of insurance companies. It is a difficult project, ”said Arłukowicz.
According to PAP information, the insurance project is to provide the possibility of financing policies under the Company Social Benefits Fund. Insurers would prepare standards for services provided as part of additional treatment. They would include, inter alia, an offer regarding the specialization of doctors, equipment, diagnostic tests and treatments.
According to the Polish Insurance Association, additional health insurance will improve the quality and availability of treatment. PIU emphasizes that today Poles spend over PLN 30 billion on private treatment from their own pocket. The Chamber believes that these funds are spent ineffectively – most often on over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and paid visits to the doctor. Thus, the money that should supply the health care system ultimately does not end up in it.
PIU emphasizes that the patient could take out additional health insurance voluntarily. An insurer, having many clients, could negotiate cheaper prices for medical visits, treatments or operations. Thanks to this, the policy would be more advantageous for the patient.
In the last term of office, the Ministry of Health proposed a tax break for policy buyers. The Ministry of Finance did not consent.
Paweł Divorce (PAP)