Law on the Reinstatement of Hospital Limits Promulgated

The law on the reinstatement of hospital limits has been promulgated in the State Gazette. The Law on Amending and Supplementing the Health Insurance Act establishes the position of a second Deputy Governor of the NHIF and reinstates spending limits for healthcare facilities, as reported by zdrave.net.

As of this month, healthcare facilities will no longer be able to exceed the indicative values set by the Supervisory Board of the NHIF. According to members of parliament, this is the only way to control the growing deficit in the Fund’s budget.

As of June 30, reported revenues and transfers amounted to BGN 4,439,533.2 thousand. Reported expenditures, on the other hand, totaled BGN 4,843,511.8 thousand. The current budget balance is negative at BGN 403,978.6 thousand. Over-limit activities realized in June were valued at just over BGN 14 million, and approximately BGN 15 million for May.

With the promulgation of the law, there will be no payment for over-limit activities starting this month, ensuring the Fund’s budget does not end the year with a deficit. However, hospital associations expressed the opinion that this decision will drive healthcare facilities into a debt spiral, as none of them would afford to turn away a patient once the limit is reached.

The Law can be viewed here.