YEREVAN.- An important event in Armenia’s insurance market happened as Nairi Insurance LLC and Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine CJSC signed a voluntary health insurance contract. Under the contract 3,500 employees of the combine and their family members will be provided with the widest range of health services. Armenian News-NEWS.am talked to Nairi Insurance representative Armen Shahinyan about possible changes in the field of health and social insurance and other issues.
Is health insurance necessary in Armenia? Is there demand and is it the right time to use introduce health insurance services?
Health insurance is always in demand. This is also impacted by existing imbalance between social conditions and price of the hospitals and health centers.
Does it mean that health care is not available or less available to Armenian citizens?
At this moment it is available only in the case of emergency. If insurance services are provided widely, there is an opportunity to undergo treatment, examination and prevent disease. As a doctor I witnessed many cases when people took extreme measures to undergo a heart surgery, for instance sold the house. The mandatory health insurance will contribute to the development of voluntary health insurance as well, taking into account widespread use of the social responsibility strategy by certain employers. Medical services will become available to many people if health insurance services are expanded.
What can you say about the legislation?
The field is regulated by different laws and other normative acts. Implementation is controlled by the Central Bank.
Why did you decide to start health insurance project in Qajaran [where Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine is situated]?
Demand for health insurance was urgent in Qajaran where the Combine is situated, not only for the employees but their family members. Realizing the importance of the demand, Nairi Insurance offered a complete package of services to meet everyone’s demand. The Combine chose the best package. Under the agreement, Nairi Insurance bears responsibility for health problems of Combine employees and their families.
