Taxi drivers and combat veterans will be included in Armenia's health insurance system
YEREVAN, April 7. /ARКА/. During an extraordinary session on Tuesday, the National Assembly of Armenia approved amendments in the first reading to the laws "On Universal Health Insurance" and "On Medical Care and Services to the Population," along with changes to the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Lena Nanushyan, the Deputy Minister of Health , mentioned that the list of beneficiaries for the program is set to be broadened.
"Specifically, starting January 1, 2027, taxi drivers who provide passenger transport via online platforms will be included in the program. Additionally, military personnel who have engaged in combat operations to protect the Motherland will also be recognized as beneficiaries," noted Nanushyan.
She explained that these amendments are essential to address gaps identified during the enforcement of existing legislation.
"The suggested modifications aim to enhance the system's efficiency, widen the range of beneficiaries, and ensure their rights are properly safeguarded. Furthermore, there are plans to clarify legal regulations concerning the payment of insurance premiums, the delivery of services, and administrative accountability," Nanushyan stated.
The second reading is expected to be discussed under a special procedure within 24 hours.
The compulsory health insurance system is set to launch in Armenia on January 1, 2026. In the initial phase of the three-year reform (2026–2028), 1.7 million residents of Armenia will be incorporated into the system.
Starting in 2026, the system includes two groups. The first includes citizens with salaries between 200,000 and 500,000 drams, while the second includes minors under 18, individuals aged 18–65 with disabilities (Groups I, II, and III), citizens aged 65 and older, and socially vulnerable families with 28 or more points. For the second group, the state covers 100% of the costs.
In the second stage, starting in 2027, the system will include individuals with salaries up to 200,000 drams, and from 2028, the remaining groups, including those employed in agriculture and their families, will be included.
The estimated cost of the health insurance package is 129,600 drams per year, with the option to pay monthly. The insurance package covers the most in-demand medical services, including outpatient care, family doctor visits, specialist consultations, and laboratory tests (within a set annual limit). The list of services will be gradually expanded and refined, including certain surgical procedures.
The 2026 state budget of Armenia allocated 127 billion drams for the implementation of the compulsory health insurance system.-0-
