CNAS Changes the Rules for Accessing Treatments at Private Clinics on the State Budget

The National Health Insurance House (CNAS) has put forward a project for public consultation that substantially changes the way patients can access medical services at private clinics funded through the public health budget.

Under the new regulations, access to treatment in the private sector will be subject to a mathematical formula that assesses the capacity of public hospitals to take on new patients. This measure represents a major change to the current patient allocation system.

The proposed mechanism will analyse the availability of beds and medical services in state hospitals in real time. When these medical facilities reach full capacity, patients will be automatically redirected to private clinics contracted with CNAS.

For elderly people requiring specialist treatments or surgical procedures, this change could mean faster access to medical care. Many seniors currently face lengthy waiting periods for consultations and treatments within the public system.

CNAS argues that this reform will significantly reduce waiting times for patients, a chronic problem in the Romanian healthcare system. Seniors, who typically require more investigations and treatments, could particularly benefit from this measure.

The proposed amendment to the regulations is currently in the public consultation period, during which healthcare specialists and patient organisations may submit observations and suggestions for improvement.