Armenia will introduce a universal health insurance system from 1 January 2026, after parliament approved the bill in its second and final reading.
The reform will be implemented gradually over three years. In the first phase, mandatory coverage will apply to vulnerable social groups, whose insurance will be fully funded by the state. From 2027, citizens earning more than 200,000 drams ($526) per month will also be required to enroll.
The insurance package will be uniform nationwide. It will cost 129,600 drams ($341) per year, or 10,800 drams ($28) per month. Other population groups will be added over the following two years, with full coverage expected by the end of 2028. By 2029, the government aims to insure the entire population.
According to the government, the reform is designed to protect public health, extend life expectancy, reduce premature mortality, and improve overall quality of life.
Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan said universal insurance will cover all citizens but not every possible medical need. “The goal is to reduce the main burden of disease and mortality and ensure the best treatment outcomes,” she told parliament.
State-Funded Coverage For Vulnerable Groups
From 1 January 2026, the state will insure children under 18, people aged 65 and older, citizens aged 18–65 with disabilities, socially vulnerable individuals scoring above 28 on the deprivation scale, and families of deceased military personnel. The government will cover the cost of their insurance packages through the state budget.
Employees and other citizens earning 200,001 drams ($528) or more per month will pay their own contributions, but with government support. In 2026, most of their payments will be reimbursed through taxes they already pay into the state budget.
As a result, people earning up to 500,000 drams ($1,315) per month will effectively pay 300 drams (about 79 cents), while higher earners will pay 3,300 drams ($8.60). Reimbursements for this group will be processed during income declarations in 2027 through personal income tax refunds.
Scope And Access To Services
While the system will eventually cover the entire population, not all medical services will be included. From 2026, insured citizens will be able to review lists of covered illnesses, diagnoses, tests, and medications through the Armed app, the Ministry of Health website, or the insurance fund.
Access to insured services will begin at the primary healthcare level, primarily through outpatient clinics.
Debate Over Gaps And Implementation
Government officials said the reform will, for the first time, provide citizens over 65 with an expanded medical package, including essential medicines, medical services, and examinations.
Opposition lawmakers questioned why people aged 63–64 are excluded from the first phase, given that the retirement age is 63. Avanesyan said including this group would cost an additional 9 billion drams (about $24 million) and could be considered in later stages. Her remarks during the debate sparked sharp exchanges with opposition factions.
Opposition MPs also warned of increased pressure on healthcare facilities and called for higher salaries for medical workers. They raised concerns that citizens already covered by existing insurance schemes might be forced to abandon them and switch to the state system, suggesting a transition period or greater choice.
Avanesyan said the government plans to review the system six months after its launch. If problems emerge, she said, the cabinet will propose legislative amendments to parliament.
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