Gov't to cover Health Insurance Fund debt of HRK 2.53 bn

The government on Thursday adopted a decision to cover the losses from the state budget to the amount of HRK 2.53 billion incurred by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) in 2012.

The HZZO recorded a deficit of HRK 1.28 billion in 2012 and total liabilities as of 31 December 2012 amounted to HRK 5.66 billion and once health institutions have been restructured, these liabilities will be reduced, a cabinet meeting heard.

The liabilities of HRK 2.53 are those dues the HZZO has pursuant to contractual obligations which need to be settled within 60 days.

Most liabilities refer to medicines, Finance Minister Slavko Linic explained.

The money to cover these losses has been secured through domestic loans to the amount of HRK 3.3 billion and the first installment was paid out this week.

A novelty being introduced is compulsory health insurance for students over the age of 18 studying in European Member states.

(Hina)



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