The monthly payment for state-insured individuals, including children and pensioners, is set to increase by 61 crowns next year through automatic valorization. This proposed regulation still awaits government approval. According to the Ministry of Finance’s estimates, the state will contribute an additional 4.4 billion crowns to healthcare compared to this year.
These funds are intended to partially cover the rising costs of the healthcare system, which is heading toward a deficit for the third consecutive year. Insurance companies warn that additional revenue sources will be necessary in the future. Doctors note a growing number of elderly patients with multiple conditions requiring more complex and prolonged care.
A state-insured person is someone whose insurance is covered by the government. According to VZP (the General Health Insurance Company), this includes dependent children, pensioners, parental allowance recipients, women on maternity leave, individuals on parental leave, and many others. In 2024, the monthly payment per state-insured person was 2,085 crowns. This year it’s 2,127 crowns, and next year it should increase to 2,188 crowns according to the Ministry of Finance.
Politicians are divided on the current automatic valorization system. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) believes the mechanism is well-designed and that internal system reserves should be sought. However, former Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (ANO) warns that the system is running out of money and suggests that revising the automatic valorization formula will be necessary.
Opinions vary among representatives of other political parties and movements. While some believe continually increasing payments for state-insured persons isn’t the solution, others argue that more financial resources are needed as healthcare costs continue to rise. Health experts agree that a comprehensive systemic change is needed, including more efficient fund redistribution and digitalization. According to health statisticians, the number of chronically ill people will significantly increase in the future, with diabetics projected to increase by 20% between 2020 and 2030.