Patients will also have to pay out of pocket for any medical services they request themselves, with the exception of visits to their GP, as well as for certain high-performance and dentistry services. These services are not included in the basic healthcare package and are therefore not subsidized from the mandatory health insurance fund.
The new bill also provides for a minimal healthcare package, available to Romanian citizens or foreign residents without insurance, and a social package, destined for insured persons with low incomes and people on welfare; both these packages would be funded by the Health Ministry.
In addition, the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) will be replaced by the National Mandatory Health Insurance Regulation Agency (ANRAOS) and the 42 regional health insurance houses (each serving a county, plus Bucharest) will become 8-10 mutual insurance organizations.
The new healthcare bill was made available for public debate Tuesday, with suggestions expected until the end of August. Health Minister Vasile Cepoi has said the bill will also be discussed with international financial institutions and may undergo changes.