Support The Moscow Times!

Russian Health Ministry's Insurance Bill Fails to Find Funding

A program that would provide Russians with free or subsidized medication has been postponed indefinitely, the Gazeta.ru news website reported Thursday.

The Health Ministry's bill to implement a program of national health insurance was unable to obtain “political approval” for the funds required, Gazeta.ru reported. The insurance program was due to start this year, but without political backing, the program does not have enough money to go forward.

The All-Russia Congress “Right to Medication” calculated in fall 2015 that the project would cost the state 490 billion rubles ($7.38 billion) in addition to funds that have already been allocated, Gazeta.ru reported.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more