VGZ wants 34 municipalities to (re)introduce insurance for low-income individuals

Health insurer VGZ has reached out to mayors of 34 municipalities in the Netherlands that do not offer a municipal health insurance policy, urging them to reconsider. The municipal policy, which includes basic and supplementary coverage for low-income individuals, has been abolished in some areas due to high costs. VGZ argues that all municipalities should provide this policy to prevent healthcare avoidance among vulnerable populations. Currently, 580,000 people benefit from the municipal policy, while an additional 90,000 could benefit if their municipality offered it. VGZ emphasizes the importance of maintaining the municipal policy over a national scheme, advocating for tailored packages to meet diverse healthcare needs. Other insurers, like Menzis, support the municipal policy, while Zilveren Kruis prefers a national approach due to inconsistencies across municipalities. The financial contributions from municipalities vary significantly, impacting residents' out-of-pocket costs…