Details have begun to emerge regarding the new regulation on General Health Insurance (GSS) premium debts. If the proposal expected to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) is enacted, it is envisioned that the premium debts of approximately 1.5 million people who have debts for the period between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2017, will be canceled along with their late payment penalties and interest.
It is stated that the debt amount in question is approaching approximately 4 billion TL. Within the scope of the regulation, the postponement of GSS premium debts, which concerns approximately 10 million citizens and exceeds 100 billion TL, is also on the agenda.
It is stated that the legislative proposal, which is being prepared by the AK Party, is aimed to be brought to the Parliament's agenda and enacted before the new year. It is noted that under the current practice, the period during which citizens with GSS debts can benefit from state hospitals and health institutions free of charge will expire on December 31, 2026.
WHO IS COVERED BY GSS?
With the GSS system that came into effect in 2012, citizens who do not work in an insured job and are not in the status of a dependent are automatically included in the general health insurance coverage. Employees, those receiving income or pensions from the Social Security Institution (SGK), employers, those benefiting from unemployment and short-term work allowances, and the family members dependent on these individuals are also included in the system.
The premiums of those who document that they do not have the ability to pay by having an income test performed are covered by the state. Citizens who do not have an income test performed or whose per capita household income exceeds one-third of the gross minimum wage are required to pay a monthly GSS premium of 1,981 TL this year.
News Source: 12punto
