The 2026 NHIF budget passed its first reading in Parliament

With 121 votes in favor and 83 against, the National Assembly approved the first reading of the draft budget for the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2026. Members of Parliament decided that the deadline for proposals between the first and second readings would be four days.

The Ministry of Health expressed support for the project, stating that the allocated funds provide a stable financial framework for the benefit of Bulgarian citizens. The Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Silvi Kirilov, stated that the 15% budget increase will allow for the normal financing of activities guaranteed by the NHIF. According to him, a new development is the planned funding of €260 million to regulate minimum staffing levels in healthcare facilities, which is also expected to lead to salary increases for medical specialists.

The Governor of the NHIF, Assoc. Prof. Petko Stefanovski, specified that the reserve amounts to 3% of the total budget and will guarantee the sustainability of the system and the regularity of payments.

Representatives from “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” stated they would not support the budget, as it is not in sync with the National Health Strategy and is built on a flawed philosophy. MP Dr. Alexander Simidchiev warned that the proposed texts could lead to negative consequences in the distribution of funds for medical specialists if a different mechanism is not introduced.

The “Vazrazhdane” party called for a change in the health insurance model and a transition to a fully state-run healthcare system. Dr. Hassan Ademov from the “Alliance for Rights and Freedoms” raised the issue of reviewing the ratio between funding for hospital and outpatient care.

During the debates, it was not clarified how funds for doctors without a specialty would be distributed; this is expected to be clarified within the next four days.