The postponement of the General Health Insurance debt is on the table.

As of January 1, millions of citizens who will not be able to benefit from health services have received news regarding their General Health Insurance (GSS) debts. The issue of postponing these debts is on the agenda both within the government and the AK Party. It is being discussed that the upcoming omnibus bill to be presented to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) may also include provisions regarding GSS debts.

SET AT 600 TL PER MONTH IN 2024

More than 9 million people in Turkey are covered under GSS and are required to pay monthly premiums equivalent to 3% of the gross minimum wage. This amount was set at 600 lira per month for the year 2024. Those who declare that they do not have the financial capacity can receive health services without paying premiums by undergoing an income test.

COVERED BY THE STATE

In this context, the health premiums of those who can document that their monthly income does not exceed one-third of the minimum wage are covered by the state.

GSS DEBTS ARE BEING POSTPONED

Recently, notifications have started to be sent by the Social Security Institution (SGK) to those who have not undergone an income test and have fallen into debt status regarding their premium payments. According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, the issue of postponing these debts has come to the agenda in both the government and the AK Party.

TO BE PRESENTED TO TBMM

It was stated that an omnibus proposal containing some regulations that the Constitutional Court (AYM) annulled regarding the organizational structure of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will be presented to the TBMM shortly, and this proposal may also include provisions regarding GSS debts.

EXTENSION MAY BE POSSIBLE AGAIN

AK Party sources noted that the upcoming regulation could postpone GSS debts. Another option is to extend the period for those with GSS premium debts to benefit from health services through a presidential decision. Last year, the right of citizens with premium debts to benefit from health services provided in public hospitals was extended until December 31, 2024, by a presidential decision.