The National Health Fund (CNS) will be facing a deficit of €108 million in 2021, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy concluded in a quadripartite meeting on Wednesday. It will have to fall back on its reserves for now; at least 25% of the fund's expenses will derive from there, above its legal objective of 10%.
If the trend remains constant, then the parties must see how this can be covered over an extended period of 10 or 20 years, minister Romain Schneider said. Working groups will now set up a multi-annual budget.
The deficit is both due to a slower growth in jobs but also relatively high expenditures, especially for hospitals. Schneider remains optimistic, however, aiming to improve services in dental medicine, visual aids and psychotherapy. The health insurance fund is not a savings bank after all, says Schneider.
The state will also bolster health insurance financially through a bill that was tabled in October. The sum of €386 million covers the compensation of sick leave during this first year of the pandemic, but also leave for family support and extended leave for family reasons. €20 million will be provided additionally each year for leave for family reasons.
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