President János Áder has stressed that “all minors, all students, all pensioners and all insured employees” will continue to be eligible for full healthcare services.
The president issued a statement clarifying the issue following legislation approved by parliament on Dec. 11 affecting eligibility for social benefits. The topic has sparked a fierce debate due to its alleged potential social impact.
In his statement, President Áder referred to several reports that projected 700,000 people vulnerable to disbarment from state healthcare services. He stressed that minors, students, pensioners and insured employees will all receive full healthcare services.
Regulations also guarantee services to the socially deprived and the homeless, which is left unchanged by the new law. He said the amendment has no impact on emergency or rescue services, which will continue to be available universally.
Underscoring the reasoning for the new law, President Áder noted a significant increase in the number of people who fail to pay social security contributions. Many, he added, do so intentionally while continuing to make use of healthcare services.
The president said that anyone who intentionally neglects to pay their contributions may only make use of the services once they pay any outstanding arrears. He added that even people who neglect to pay are eligible for emergency services.
Photo credit: Magyar Hang