Some 70,000 Hungarians who have not paid national insurance contributions for the past six months will lose access to the country’s public health-care services from mid-February, a government official has said.
“Anyone who makes use of free public health services without paying a contribution creates an unjust situation,” Norbert Izer, the state secretary for tax affairs told pro-government daily Magyar Nemzet, noting that under new rules taking effect on Feb. 12 the social security identification number (TAJ) of those who accumulate six months of unpaid contributions will be blocked.
Services will be ensured by paying arrears in full or part by that date. Also, people who can prove financial delinquency through poverty will also retain access to the services.
The monthly contribution amounts to 8,000 forints (EUR 22), lower than in any other EU member state, he added.
Featured photo illustration by Tibor Rosta/MTI
