Taxi drivers working through electronic platforms in Armenia will be included in the health insurance system starting January 1, 2027.
The National Assembly adopted, in the second reading and in full, amendments to the law “On Universal Health Insurance,” Sputnik Armenia reports.
The changes were initiated after a taxi drivers’ protest held in Yerevan in February. Drivers demanded improved working conditions, complaining about high commission rates charged per ride.
They also called for being officially recognized as employees, noting they were unable to benefit from universal health insurance and faced difficulties obtaining bank loans. Around 500 drivers joined a petition to support their demands.
As a result of the amendments, participants in military operations (excluding professional servicemen) receiving disability benefits will also be included in the system from 2027, instead of 2028.
The changes also allow family members of already insured citizens to voluntarily join the system. Additionally, the payment deadline for individual entrepreneurs paying insurance contributions has been moved from April 20 to June 20.
The universal health insurance system was launched on January 1. In the first phase, it included individuals earning 200,000 drams or more, as well as all children under 18 and adults aged 65 and older without exception. For these groups, the state will provide 100 percent support in 2026.
The annual package of mandatory health insurance amounts to 129,600 drams and includes preventive care, early detection and screening programs, hospital services, medication coverage, and emergency services. Citizens earning between 200,000 and 500,000 drams will pay 300 drams per month for this package, as a significant portion of their contributions to the “Zinapah” foundation will be redirected to the insurance system.
