The Saeima has officially adopted amendments to the health financing law, delaying the implementation of the “two basket” healthcare system until December 31, 2027. This decision, finalized in a recent reading, marks another in a series of legislative postponements for the contentious medical funding model.
Legislative Postponement until 2027
The two basket system was originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, but lawmakers moved to extend the current, unified health service model. This follows a previous parliamentary decision in June that had pushed the start date back to the end of 2026. The system, which remains unimplemented due to persistent political debate, aims to divide state-funded care into a basic service basket and a full-coverage basket for those who are socially insured or meet specific criteria.
Did You Know? The proposed two basket system distinguishes between individuals based on their contribution status, offering a full basket of medical services to those who are socially insured, specific disadvantaged groups, and those who choose to make voluntary health insurance contributions.
Ministry of Health faces technical and financial obstacles
According to Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Health Boris Knigin, the delay is driven by significant technical and financial obstacles. Knigin stated that the government currently lacks the necessary information and budget-related resolutions required to build the administrative systems for the two baskets. While the Ministry of Health intends to present a new model by the end of the year, Knigin noted that the Saeima faces a narrow window to reach a consensus on any proposed changes before the current session concludes.
Future Implementation Outlook
While the law now provides for a delay until the end of 2027, the future of the two basket system remains subject to ongoing political negotiation. The Ministry of Health continues to engage with social partners and stakeholders, building on the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval of initial amendments last November. Without further legislative intervention, the current, non-divided system—where state-funded care is provided regardless of insurance contributions—will remain in place until the new deadline.
Reasons for the two basket system delay
Why is the two basket system being delayed again?
The postponement is due to political disagreements and significant administrative challenges. Officials have stated that it is currently impossible to establish the necessary systems by the deadline due to insufficient data and unresolved budget issues.
What is the difference between the two baskets?
The system would split services into a basic basket and a full basket. The full basket would be reserved for socially insured individuals, certain socially disadvantaged groups, and those who voluntarily make health insurance contributions.
How does the current health system function?
Currently, state-funded health services are provided to the public regardless of whether an individual has paid specific health insurance contributions.
How might the proposed new model from the Ministry of Health alter the current debate regarding medical access?
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