Czech Republic Approves Major Healthcare Reform, Expanding Coverage

October 31, 2024

The Czech government has approved a significant amendment to the Public Health Insurance Act, a move anticipated to revolutionize the nation’s healthcare. The new law, becoming effective in 2026, empowers health insurance companies to allocate significantly more funds for disease prevention. This enhancement not only improves the benefits for insured individuals but also expands coverage to include some dental care services. Additionally, the amendment allows for payments for certain treatments abroad and strengthens oversight of insurance companies.

Health Minister Vlastimil Válek emphasized that this reform grants insurers much greater flexibility, enabling them to use up to six times more funds than currently allocated. The reform moves from the existing CZK 15 billion limit within the overall CZK 500 billion public health insurance system. It introduces clear delineations regarding the roles, rights, and responsibilities of health insurance companies. This new framework is similar to car insurance, where claims are managed by insurers rather than the government. New policies also include changes to mandatory reserve funds, permitting insurers to utilize these funds for activities like regional scholarship programs for doctors, improving healthcare access, and supporting patient organizations.

Expanding Treatment Options and Addressing Challenges

The Czech government has passed a major amendment to the Public Health Insurance Act, expected to transform the healthcare system starting in 2026. This new law allows health insurance companies to invest significantly more funds in disease prevention, aiming to boost benefits for insured individuals and expand coverage to include dental care services. The amendment also permits payments for certain treatments abroad and enhances the oversight of insurance companies.

Health Minister Vlastimil Válek highlighted that this reform grants insurers much more flexibility, allowing them to allocate up to six times the current amount. Previously capped at CZK 15 billion within the CZK 500 billion public health insurance system, the new legislation clearly outlines the roles, rights, and responsibilities of health insurance companies. This new framework is similar to car insurance, where insurers, rather than the government, handle claims. The policies also introduce changes to mandatory reserve funds, enabling insurers to use these funds for activities like regional scholarship programs for doctors, improving healthcare access, and supporting patient organizations.

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