Armenian opposition MP criticizes proposed health insurance plan

Armenia’s planned universal health insurance system came under scrutiny in the parliament on Tuesday, as opposition lawmakers questioned whether the proposed model would genuinely expand access to care.

During a debate on a package of bills, MP Agnesa Khamoyan of the opposition Hayastan alliance challenged Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan to clarify the government’s strategy, accusing officials of adopting what she called a “give everyone a little” approach.

“I have the impression that this is the principle you have adopted, giving each person a little. But does this solve the problem?” Khzmoyan asked. She argued that such an approach “is not an effective option in the long run” and pressed the minister to state clearly what core issue the reforms are intended to address.

Avanesyan has said Armenia will introduce a phased universal health insurance model over the next three years. The scheme will guarantee coverage for essential health needs but will not make all healthcare services free for all citizens.

“It will be universal in coverage, but it will not cover all the healthcare needs of all citizens and every individual,” the minister told lawmakers, stressing that “there is nothing free in this world” and that universal insurance does not equate to a fully free healthcare system.

Khzmoyan also criticized the ministry for failure to outline a clear list of services that would be included in the basic package, nor specifying how often citizens would be entitled to use them annually.