Minister says health insurance won’t cover all expenses

PanARMENIAN.Net - Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan addressed criticism during a parliamentary discussion on universal health insurance, clarifying details about potential beneficiaries and expected changes.

“There’s nothing free in this world, and I never said everything, all services, would be free. On the contrary,” she stated. “I clearly explained that there will be an insurance package covering a specific range of services. Our principle is to include everyone, but not to provide everything for each individual,” Avanesyan said in response to critics, according to Panorama.am .

Opposition MP Arman Ghazaryan from the Hayastan faction questioned the minister, requesting specific figures.

“At first glance, it seems like you’re doing something major, yet you didn’t present any numbers. I’d like you to clarify how many pensioners aged 65 and above will be covered by this program as of January 1, 2026? You mention the 0–18 age group, but they already receive coverage, so that’s not new. People with disabilities are also currently covered. Please specify what services and medical care are defined for the allocated funds,” Ghazaryan said.

In response, the minister emphasized that the initiative represents a major reform of the healthcare system, with new approaches to financing, service definition, procurement, and coverage.

She clarified that around 700,000 children under 18 live in Armenia.

“Yes, they currently benefit from government-funded care. The scope of their services and reimbursement rates will change. Over 400,000 people in Armenia are aged 65 or older. That’s a significant number. More than 400,000 citizens will have access to essential healthcare expenses. The annual insurance contribution is 129,600 drams, which equals 10,800 drams per month,” she noted.

Ghazaryan countered by pointing out that of those 400,000, about 80,000 already receive services due to disability status, 1,027 have functional assessments, and 29,298 qualify for social assistance.

“Effectively, only 100,000 people out of 400,000 are using the services. That’s why I’m asking for the actual numbers,” he said.

According to the proposed bill, the first phase of the insurance system will cover several groups: individuals under 18, those aged 65 and above, citizens aged 18–65 with disabilities or functional impairments, and those who meet social vulnerability criteria.