Chapter 19 (Health), Section 77 (National Health Insurance Law) of the Economic Plan Bill (Legislative Amendments for the Implementation of Economic Policy for the 2023 and 2024 Budget Years), 5783-2023 [Split pursuant to Section 84(b) of the Rules of Procedure]

It is proposed to amend the National Health Insurance Law so that health maintenance organizations (HMOs) may collect co-payments in advance for services provided at a clinic, institute, or by a physician. If the insured person cancels the appointment at least 24 hours in advance, the HMO shall refund the payment. If the insured person does not arrive for the appointment and does not cancel it on time, the HMO shall not refund the payment. In special cases, the Minister of Health may establish regulations that allow for a refund or cancellation of the charge even if 24 hours have not passed. The Minister of Health may also exempt certain services from these provisions for a period of up to 18 months, and with the approval of the Minister of Finance, this period may be extended. The goal is to prevent the waste of resources and long waiting times.

Source: חומר רקע