Poland Prepares New Health Contribution Rules for Entrepreneurs

The Polish government is set to overhaul the health contribution system for entrepreneurs, introducing new rules for annual settlements. A draft amendment, prepared by the Ministry of Health, aims to streamline the process for handling overpayments. For amounts up to 160 Polish zloty, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will be able to offset these small overpayments against current contributions, eliminating the administrative costs associated with issuing refunds for sums often smaller than the refund cost itself. Larger overpayments will be automatically refunded by ZUS, provided the entrepreneur's bank account details are up to date, removing the need for a formal request.

The proposed legislation extends beyond contribution changes, seeking to "seal" the health insurance system. It will affect individuals receiving pensions and annuities from EU, EFTA, and UK countries. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health plans to revise cross-border healthcare regulations to align with EU law, introducing new procedures for reimbursing costs of medical services received abroad and simplifying the refund application process.

In addition to healthcare reforms, the project addresses the organization of the healthcare system. New regulations will govern the establishment and revocation of Centers of Expertise for Rare Diseases, outlining the criteria for facilities providing specialized care to patients with rare conditions. The National Health Fund (NFZ) will see facilitated recruitment of medical professionals, and contracts for medical supplies may be offered indefinitely. Diagnostic laboratories will be required to participate in external quality assessment programs, and rules for the health insurance of medical graduates in practical training will be clarified. Changes are also planned for the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tarification (AOTMiT) and NFZ funding for specific services.

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If the health insurance contribution is not settled due to the announcement or occurrence of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances in the territory of the Republic of Poland or at the place of implementation of the tourist event, the tour operator may, instead, grant the traveler, with their consent, a tourist voucher for a future tourist event.