site.btaHealth Insurance Fund, Medical Association Sign National Framework Agreement 2015

Health Insurance Fund, Medical Association Sign National Framework Agreement 2015


Sofia, December 29 (BTA) - The Representatives of the Bulgarian
Medical Association (BMA) and the National Health Insurance Fund
 (NHIF) Monday signed the National Framework Agreement for 2015
in the presence in Health Minister Peter Moskov, who undersigned
 the document.    
   
The National Framework Agreement is signed in both the textual
part and the part concerning prices and volumes which was a
controversial issue between the partners to the agreement just
days ago. Both sides have made concessions, the Chairman of the
NHIF Board of Managers said. The volumes of medical activities
will not be changed and some of the activities in outpatient
care have been increased.
   
The budgets of all regional NHIF chapters are yet to be approved
 for 12 months, and these will approve the annual budget of
medical aid providers. NHIF will monitor these budgets every
month and they will be subject to regulation every quarter, with
 prices being corrected if the volume of activities increases.
Annaniev assured the number of referrals of patients to
specialists will not be reduced.
   
The volumes for patients are guaranteed, on the one hand, and
the prices that the Bulgarian Medical Association wants for
doctors - on the other, Moskov said. The Health Minister
underscored there is no danger of patients becoming victim to
reduced volumes.
 
BMA and NHIF will implement joint regulation following the
drafting of different methodologies Ц flexible mechanisms to
avoid reduction of prices and volumes, BMA President Dr. Tsvetan
 Raichinov said. There will be a correction of prices only if
these mechanisms do not work.
  
All sides were unanimous that the health care system faces a
stable financial year.