The Lithuanian Ministry of Health has prepared a list of services that will allow healthcare institutions to charge extra fees, in line with a law set to take effect in May that prohibits such fees except for pricier equipment and comfort services.
The Lithuanian Minister of Health announced that the Ministry has completed a list of healthcare services for which medical institutions will be allowed to charge extra fees. This list is being sent to the Government for final approval and is part of the legislative framework that is scheduled to take effect in May. The law aims to prevent healthcare institutions from demanding additional payments for services covered by the state health insurance fund, except for costs associated with more expensive medical equipment and comfort services that go beyond standard care.
As reported by BNS, the law banning extra fees was passed by the Seimas last November, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services without burdening patients with unexpected costs. From May onwards, medical institutions will not be able to charge patients additional fees for publicly funded healthcare services, which may lead to significant changes in the way services are billed and the overall affordability of healthcare in Lithuania.
The upcoming changes also indicate that patients will have the option to request higher-tier medical equipment beyond what is typically covered by the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, albeit at their own expense. This introduces a complexity for patients who might wish to access premium services and raises questions about the balance between accessible healthcare and the desire for enhanced comfort or advanced medical technology.
