NHIF proposes the introduction of an electronic health card in the 2026 budget

The NHIF will propose that the introduction of an electronic health insurance card be included in the Fund’s 2026 budget. It will serve for the mandatory verification of patients, and this verification will be a condition for the NHIF to pay for hospital activities. This was announced to the media by the Governor of the Fund, Assoc. Prof. Petko Stefanovski.

According to him, the upcoming budget procedure will allow the electronic card to replace the current blue health insurance booklet. The introduction of informed patient consent upon discharge for all activities performed is also being considered, which will strengthen control by the insured person themselves.

We recall that the idea was also presented to the parliamentary health committee when Assoc. Prof. Stefanovski reported the results of inspections in 42 state, municipal, and private hospitals. At that time, the proposal was formulated as an amendment to the Health Insurance Act, which could be implemented through the NHIF Budget Act.

During today’s meeting with journalists, the Governor of the Fund also pointed out that hospital activity exceeding the set limits is growing again. After decreasing to 5 million BGN in July, August, and September, it reached 25 million BGN in October. “This activity will not be paid for by the NHIF, as provided for in the Health Insurance Act,” Assoc. Prof. Stefanovski specified.