From May 1, specialist services without additional fees
The Ministry of Health reminds the public that, starting May 1 of this year, new legal regulations come into force aimed at eliminating unjustified charges for healthcare services covered by the state.
Under the new rules, all healthcare institutions that have agreements with the National Health Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Health must ensure that individuals insured under compulsory health insurance and holding a valid doctor’s referral receive services without any additional charges. The new framework is intended to increase transparency within the healthcare system and prevent situations in which patients were misled about payment requirements or their freedom of choice regarding services.
With these changes taking effect, healthcare institutions will assume greater responsibility for properly informing patients about their rights to state-funded treatment. Institutions will now be required to publicly display and publish on their websites information about state-funded services and the applicable prices of medical devices and supplies.
The changes also establish a clear distinction between essential medical treatment and optional non-medical services. Patients will still be able to voluntarily pay for additional comfort-related services, such as individual catering or accommodation, which do not affect the quality of treatment. Patients may also choose more expensive medical devices than those reimbursed by the state and pay the price difference for products included on the Government-approved list, but only after the healthcare institution has fully informed them about the available alternatives.
At this stage, the goal is to establish a unified practice across the healthcare sector and provide patients with greater clarity and security regarding healthcare services covered by the state. If patients have justified concerns about being asked to make additional payments, they are encouraged to first contact the administration of the healthcare institution and, if the issue is not resolved, the National Health Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Health.
It is important to note that May is considered a transitional period during which healthcare institutions are beginning to implement the new rules in practice. As a result, some uncertainty or differing interpretations may arise initially, and not all institutions may be fully prepared to adapt to the new requirements from day one. Patients are asked for understanding and patience while the system stabilizes and the new regulations are implemented consistently across all healthcare institutions.