Polish 2050 MP Ryszard Petru announced another draft bill assuming a reduction in health insurance contributions. Adrian Zandberg from the Left said that it was an irresponsible proposal and a gift for the richest at the expense of the public health care system.
At the beginning of Wednesday's Sejm session, Polish 2050 MP Ryszard Petru announced that his club would submit a draft bill on reducing health insurance premiums for entrepreneurs. He argued that this proposal was within the limit of PLN 4 billion declared in July by the Minister of Finance, Andrzej Domański.
Coalition partners' dispute over health insurance premium
– Let me remind you that this is the coalition's commitment on October 15. I (…) appeal to everyone to work together on this bill so that it comes into force next year, Petru said in the Sejm.
Left MP Adrian Zandberg replied to the politician. He stated that “today we have huge problems in the public health care system.”
– There is a lack of over PLN 20 billion to maintain the current, otherwise unsatisfactory level of health services. And do you want to withdraw billions more from this public health care system for gifts for the wealthiest people in Poland? It's simply irresponsible, he said.
Health insurance premium and the coalition's ideas
The parties that make up the ruling coalition have divergent ideas about changes that should be introduced in health insurance premiums. Proposals on this matter were prepared by Polska 2050, PSL and Left. The ministries of finance and health, headed by KO representatives, also presented their project in March. The coalition partners agree that the payment of health insurance premiums on sales by entrepreneurs should be abolished fixed assets.
In March, Polska 2050 submitted a draft change to the health insurance premium, and in July the group submitted a self-amendment. According to it, three lump-sum contribution amounts would be introduced: 4%, 7%. and 9.4 percent, calculated from average salary. The amount of the contribution in a specific month would depend on the amount of all the insured person's contributed income from the beginning of the calendar year, in ranges of up to PLN 85,000. PLN, over 85 thousand PLN up to PLN 300 thousand PLN and above 300 thousand zloty. Currently, these rounded amounts would be PLN 300, PLN 525 and PLN 700, respectively.
The Left's concept assumes replacing the current health insurance contribution with a 9% health tax from 2026, which will be paid by payers PIT and CIT.
Marshal of the Sejm and leader of Poland 2050 Szymon Hołownia During Saturday's convention of the group, he assured that he would not abandon the topic of health insurance premiums. “We need to provide a fair health insurance premium. Finally, a fair one, and not robbing people and telling them that this is something that builds Polish health care,” he said.
According to Minister Domański, next year the state budget may finance the reduction of contributions for entrepreneurs with PLN 4 billion.
Main photo source: PAP/Marcin Obara