The health insurance system is a key component for visa liberalization with the European Union, Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan stated during a press briefing at the parliament on November 1.
“The priority is not immediately covering the entire population but launching the reform itself. Once started, the system will cover the whole population within three years,” the minister noted.
According to Avanesyan, the ministry is keen to implement the insurance system as soon as possible, and the healthcare sector is ready for this step. “The legislative package is fully prepared, and the government has reached a consensus on the model, structure, and stages of implementation. The document has been submitted to the National Assembly for initial discussions,” she informed.
However, the minister refrained from specifying exact timelines for the system's rollout, noting only that the first reading discussions would likely start before the end of the year. “The system's launch depends on the adoption of the law, with each stage having its own transition period,” Avanesyan explained.
The health ministry’s 2025 budget is set at around $420 million, which is $13.7 million less than the 2024 allocation.
Meanwhile, the 2025 budget does not include funding for comprehensive health insurance implementation. In 2024, approximately $46.4 million was earmarked for this purpose but was ultimately redirected to other needs.
