Azerbaijan Extends Free Health Insurance for Non-Working Individuals Amidst System Challenges

A recent amendment to Azerbaijan's health insurance law has extended the provision of free compulsory health insurance services to non-working individuals without labor or civil contracts and those not engaged in entrepreneurial activities until 2025. This legislative change marks a departure from earlier rules that had suspended the unpaid utilization of compulsory health insurance for non-working persons from January 1 of the current year.

The decision, aimed at providing healthcare access to a broader segment of the population, has, however, encountered challenges in implementation. Sanubar Heydarova from Baku told Turan about her frustrating experience at City Hospital No. 6 named after Malikov, where long queues and bureaucratic hurdles complicated her attempt to obtain an MRI referral.

Hospital officials did not respond to the specific complaint, but the Compulsory Health Insurance Agency (ITSDA) attributed the queues to a high volume of appeals. Plans to address this issue include the introduction of an online queue program in the near future.

Despite the challenges, advocates argue for the indefinite extension of free health insurance for the unemployed. Dr. Aydin Aliyev, a radiologist and co-founder of the public association "Doctors of Azerbaijan," contends that if Azerbaijan prides itself on being a socially oriented state, this should extend to all citizens, irrespective of employment status.

Dr. Aliyev, in an interview with Radio Azadlig, emphasizes the need for permanent coverage, as unemployment is a persistent issue. He suggests resolving queue problems by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, allowing patients to seek medical attention without complex systems, particularly in instances of system failures.

While there has been an increase in funds allocated for compulsory health insurance this year, inflation may mitigate the impact. Dr. Aliyev calls for stricter control over fund utilization, especially for critical services like organ and bone marrow transplants, where limits may not adequately meet urgent needs.

Azerbaijan's health insurance law, adopted 25 years ago, began nationwide application in April 2021. Employers contribute 2% of an employee's salary below 8,000 manats and 0.5% above this threshold, with employees making corresponding contributions. According to the State Tax Service, compulsory health insurance revenues rose by 14.8% in January-November last year, reaching 842 million Manats. The Compulsory Health Insurance Agency reported a 30% increase in services, with 4.5 million people benefiting from compulsory health insurance in the first ten months of last year. This represents 47% of the country's population.