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Menzis Plans Deductible Waiver for Low-Income Patients in Regional Pilot

Municipalities would identify eligible residents, with costs later reimbursed via the national health fund.

Overview

  • Menzis proposes a supplementary policy that covers costs normally paid under the annual deductible for people on low incomes, without a higher premium.
  • The pilot will start in selected northern and eastern regions where the insurer already has cost-coverage arrangements with municipalities.
  • Eligibility would be based on existing municipal records, including residents with frequent minimacontracts or an energy allowance up to 120% of the minimum wage.
  • Menzis expects insurers to be reimbursed afterward through the Zorgverzekeringsfonds and has informed other insurers, with talks on implementation to follow.
  • The plan aims to prevent care avoidance and is presented as a cheaper alternative to lowering the deductible for everyone; RTV Noord reports dental care could also be included and notes Groningen partly uses a similar approach.