The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved a ban on patients paying extra for state-funded healthcare services, while allowing additional charges for pricier medical materials and non-medical “comfort” services.
The Seimas voted 63–3 with eight abstentions to amend the Law on Health Insurance, with the changes set to take effect next May.
“These amendments strengthen the public sector,” said MP Andrius Busila of the ruling Lithuanian Social Democratic Party. The measure has been a key proposal in the party’s heathcare platform.
But opposition lawmakers warned the move could limit patients’ access to timely or higher-quality care. MP Jurgita Sejonienė of the conservative Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats said the reform would leave patients worse off.
“Patients will not be able to get a better service or get it sooner,” she said. “We will definitely turn to the Constitutional Court.”
The amendments prohibit healthcare providers from charging additional fees for personal healthcare services covered by the state-run mandatory health insurance. However, patients may request the use of more expensive materials than those reimbursed by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund. In such cases, they will be required to pay the difference between the rate set by the National Health Insurance Fund and the provider’s price. Such requests must be submitted in writing.
Patients will also still be able to pay for non-medical “comfort” services, such as upgraded rooms, if they choose.
Supporters of the reform argue that banning extra fees will help ensure equal access to essential healthcare. According to them, private clinics use the public insurance funds as subsidy and drains resources from public healthcare, while only providing services to patients who can afford to pay.
Meanwhile, critics of the measure say it may increase waiting times and reduce patient choice.
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