On November 10, 2011 was held the meeting of the Georgian Government. The agenda included 45 items.
Before the meeting started, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Nika Gilauri, talked about the 2012 budget.
"Good day. I would like to give a piece of news about the next year budget.
We have discussed the 2012 budget with the President, as well as the members of the Parliament and representatives of the public. The most important amendment to the 2012 budget is the issues of pensiones and insurance.
From September 1, 2012, "Basic Vouchers" of GEL 15 shall be distributed to all pensioners. In the future, as a result of a tender or auction, the price of voucher may be reduced, but the basic sum amounts to GEL 15. The voucher includes quite many services: free consultation with doctor, free analysis of different types, co-funding of 80%/20% of operations, unlimited funding of certain operations, etc.
This is one of the best packages we have negotiated with insurance companies and offer our pensioners.
Why have we made this decision? - Because of a very simple reason. Healthcare sector and insurance sector are developing, but insurance of aged people always was and still remains a problem. But this is not a problem of Georgia only, this is an international problem.
When it comes to individual risk, insurance company cannot undertake this. But when it comes to group risk, insurance company can undertake this risk. Accordingly, from September 1 of the next year, we will insure 670 thousand pensioners. Thus, the price of the insurance package is not very high and includes quite many components.
All children from 0 to 5 years of age shall also be insured. Children's insurance package is slightly different, medicine part is reduced and the price will be reduced respectively.
One more integral part of this reform is growth of pensions for people over 67 years of age. This comes to GEL 140 total pension package. The GEL 140 pension package shall include GEL 15 insurance package and GEL 125 net sum to be taken. The GEL 125 includes bonus for length of service and the existing pension, i.e. those who received GEL 100 will receive additional GEL 25 and the insurance package, while those who received GEL 110, will receive additional GEL 15 and the insurance package.
This is our further reform, which we carry out. This is a very important reform, particularly with a view to healthcare. Pensioners are a part of our society which cannot be insured. Healthcare was connected to great expenses for them, and we will simplify this problem to them.
I think this is a very important reform. In the nearest days, the Minister of Finance will present a renewed version of budget to the Parliament."
The Press Service of the Prime Minister