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Hungarian minister announces end of public-private healthcare divide
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During a conference hosted by the Hungarian Hospital Association, Péter Takács, the Minister of State for Health, declared the conclusion of the division between public and private healthcare. With an air of anticipation, the minister outlined the government’s forthcoming plans to regulate their harmonious coexistence. Furthermore, the minister underscored the imminent need for governmental intervention to determine the inclusion of specific private healthcare providers within publicly funded care in the long run.
Key points from the conference
At the conference, Péter Takács highlighted Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s intention to restore the insurance role of NEAK (National Health Insurance Fund Management Agency) during the January cabinet meeting according to Portfolio. Currently, the State Secretariat is working on this initiative with an emphasis on maintaining NEAK’s dominance over the insurance market while keeping it shielded from private interests. Péter Takács highlighted the forthcoming implementation of stronger control and service purchasing functions for NEAK, with new regulatory frameworks being developed.
Once these are established the government plans to transition to sector-neutral funding, marking a novel approach towards the private sector. The Minister mentioned that moving forward would necessitate a government decision regarding which private providers would be included in publicly funded care in the long term. As soon as this decision is made, wage subsidies can be integrated into the financing and sector-neutral financing can be introduced. Furthermore, Takács highlighted the imperative of defining the scope of reimbursable benefits, clarifying that funding allocation to private providers will not be contingent on waiting lists, whilst reminding stakeholders of the existing social security funding allocated to certain private entities.
Reaction to the announcement
The health section of the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (VOSZ) welcomed Minister of State Péter Takács’ announcement regarding NEAK’s transition towards a genuine insurance-centric funding model and the pursuit of sector neutrality. VOSZ considers these measures pivotal and advantageous, provided that the detailed regulations guarantee the effectiveness and practicality of the new system, as per Portfolio.
More out of pocket expense can ONLY be the result of this “Fidesz” decision.
Citizens just “zone in” on that FACT, or read of “other” country’s that have under gone this process, that doesn’t contribute to IMPROVED Medical Services nor reduction of waiting lists for Specialized or “other” needed Medical attention, but results in HIGHER personal “out of pocket” expense, being “worn” paid out by citizens / patients – whether you have private medical coverage or not.
Governments because of the on-going rising costs of Medical Services, not helped by the Medical Profession “broadsheet” wanting higher levels of renumeration / salaries, revert to the introduction of systems that Hungary move to, that releases Medical costs or RESPONSIBILITY from them in there Budgets to FUND medical services.
Nothing in Hungary gets CHEAPER.