Joller proposes adding a seventh member to Health Insurance Fund board

Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller has proposed increasing the Health Insurance Fund’s board from six members to seven to strengthen its evidence-based expertise, ERR reports.

Joller submitted the proposal as an amendment to a bill on the organisation of health services, which is being considered by the parliamentary Social Affairs Committee. She said decisions on sustainable healthcare funding, access to and quality of services, and rising healthcare costs should draw not only on the labour market and patient perspectives already represented on the board, but also on strong research expertise.

Joller suggested that the University of Tartu appoint the additional member, citing its expertise in health economics and public health. The proposal will continue to be discussed in parliament.

The board currently has six members. Joller and Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi represent the state. Ulvi Tammer-Jäätes, a board member of the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People, and Elle Pütsepp, a member of the Estonian Trade Union Confederation, represent insured people. Employers are represented by Hando Sutter, head of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, and its member Andi Kasak.