Smokers in Armenia who quit to be eligible for state bonus

ArmInfo.  A bonus point mechanism will be introduced for beneficiaries of the universal health insurance program in Armenia. The decision was made at a government  meeting on June 9.

In her speech, RA Deputy Minister of Health Lena Nanushyan noted that  the resolution provides for the procedure for calculating bonus  points, applying coefficients, and making payments based on them,  which are calculated to encourage a healthy lifestyle.  The draft is  intended to regulate these relationships and ensure the practical  application of the bonus system by establishing appropriate  procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements and the  effective functioning of the universal health insurance system.

The introduction of a universal health insurance system has become a  priority for the state in the area of health protection and disease  prevention, and it provides for a number of mechanisms. An example of  such a mechanism is a system of bonus points and the coefficients  applied to them. Although the law provides for certain provisions  regarding the bonus system, there are no practical procedures for its  operation. The law reserves the right to establish such procedures  with the government. The draft proposes establishing a mechanism for  calculating bonus points as a tool for encouraging a healthy  lifestyle, the procedure for calculating and accruing bonus points,  the procedure for making non-cash payments using bonus points, and  instructions for using bonus points. Bonus points will be extended to  voluntary blood donors, patients registered with a primary care  physician who improve their health, those who quit smoking, etc. The  bonus amount will be determined by a separate order of the Minister  of Health. The amount of bonus payments cannot exceed 10% of  insurance payments made during the year. Individuals who receive  bonuses at the end of the year will be able to use the funds to pay  their insurance premiums, purchase a voluntary package of medical  services, etc. 

It is expected that the adoption of the project will lead to the full  implementation of the statutory bonus system, the introduction of an  effective mechanism for encouraging a healthy lifestyle, an increase  in the preventive behavior of insured persons, and an increase in the  level of early diagnosis and disease prevention.