President Rumen Radev categorically vetoed the proposed amendments to the Health Insurance Act, expressing serious constitutional reservations about the texts adopted by the National Assembly.
An official statement from the presidential administration emphasizes that although the legislative initiative aims to optimize state financial expenditures in healthcare, the proposed changes pose significant risks to the rights of Bulgarian citizens.
The specific objections are related to the potential limitation of access to medical assistance. The amendments to Article 59 of the law create prerequisites for unjustified administrative regulation of health services, which may make it difficult for patients to choose a medical facility.
Particularly alarming for the head of state are the texts that resemble already repealed unconstitutional provisions. They introduce unjustified restrictions on the National Health Insurance Fund when paying for medical services outside the contracted volumes and values.
The President emphasizes that such restrictions directly contradict the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens, enshrined in Article 52, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the country's basic law.
An additional critical point is the lack of transparency and public discussion in the adoption of these legislative changes. Radev insists on reviewing the texts with the active participation of all stakeholders in the sector.
Returning the bill to the National Assembly for further discussion aims to prevent potential future legal and practical problems in the healthcare system.