13th and 14th pensions to be eliminated? There is an idea for a replacement for seniors
Seniors have become accustomed to two additional benefits paid once a year - the 13th and 14th pension. For many, they constitute real financial support. However, it is increasingly being pointed out that they do not solve the problems of the elderly, especially in the area of health. Instead of cash, it is proposed to introduce a treatment voucher.
Infor.pl explains that the medical voucher would be a targeted benefit that seniors could use exclusively for health needs. The funds collected on the voucher would be used to pay for a visit to a specialist, perform diagnostic tests, buy medicines or medical equipment.
"The voucher would be dedicated - its value would be "frozen" in the healthcare system," the portal journalist points out. He also points out that allocating funds from the 13th and 14th pensions for healthcare purposes could bring a greater social and economic return.
Supporters of the solution indicate that the medical voucher could be a signal for the development of medical services for seniors, both public and private. If some services were provided outside the National Health Fund, it could also reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics. However, there are also concerns that it would only be financing from the state budget of so-called privateers at the expense of senior services.
Infor.pl discussed the idea with, among others, a 74-year-old retiree from the Krakow area, Mr. Stanisław, who did not like the solution. - I prefer to receive money in hand or into an account. I know what I will spend it on. And a voucher is someone else deciding what is important to me, and I do not want that - he said.
Although the senior admits that health is the most important thing, he immediately points out that he already goes to the doctors, has medicines purchased, and additional benefits, such as the 13th and 14th pension, allow him to pay bills or buy a gift for his grandchildren that he would not normally be able to afford. He also agrees that health care should be improved, but not at the expense of pensions. - For many of us, this is the only extra money we have in the year. And we really don't want anyone telling us what to spend it on - he emphasizes.
Infor.pl also lists several arguments in favor of introducing a treatment voucher for seniors.
- He points out that it would be intended solely for health and care services, such as rehabilitation, nursing assistance, purchase of medicines and medical equipment.
- In the era of an aging society, a treatment voucher could be one of the elements of the state's social policy. Regular care and prevention could reduce the number of hospitalizations and expensive medical interventions, which in the long run would bring savings to the health care system.
- Instead of cash payments that seniors can spend on any purpose, the voucher would allow the state to better control how the funds are used.
- It would support local care services - it could stimulate the development of local health services, creating new jobs and increasing the availability of assistance in the senior's place of residence.
Importantly, however, there are currently no specific announcements about the complete elimination of the 13th and 14th pensions. At the end of 2023, the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, in response to the petition, negatively assessed the idea of replacing additional benefits with a medical voucher. At that time, it indicated that: (...) is a proposal that contradicts the essence of the acts in question, the purpose of which is to improve the financial situation of retirees and pensioners, primarily those in the most difficult financial situation.
There was no other position from the government or specifically the Ministry of Labour on this matter.
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