Polish hospitals are facing significant financial strain as they await reimbursement from the NFZ for medical services rendered in excess of the agreed limits for 2025, totaling over 8 billion PLN.
The issue of delayed payments for overperformance in healthcare services for the year 2025 was a prominent topic during the recent meeting of the Tripartite Team for Health Protection on February 18. Hospitals across Poland are in a precarious situation as they wait for the National Health Fund (NFZ) to reimburse funds for various medical services that have not yet been financed. The total value of unpaid services from the NFZ for 2025 amounts to approximately 8.326 billion PLN, with 2.221 billion PLN owed specifically for the fourth quarter of the previous year.
Among the outstanding payments included are those for unlimited overperformance, which amounts to over 2.2 billion PLN, as well as payments for drug programs totaling roughly 1.188 billion PLN, and limited services which account for about 4.923 billion PLN. The delays in these reimbursements pose serious financial challenges for hospitals, particularly as the NFZ is legally obligated to cover 100% of costs incurred for unlimited overperformance. Despite this obligation, medical facilities continue to experience significant cash flow issues while awaiting payment.
This situation has raised concerns not only among healthcare providers but also among policymakers who recall previous electoral consequences tied to healthcare funding and management. The current state of delayed reimbursements may further complicate the NFZ's responsibility and transparency in its financial operations, prompting discussions on necessary reforms to ensure timely payments to support the sustainability of healthcare services in Poland.
