The Russian government has extended the state guarantees program for free medical care through 2025, signaling an expanded range of services available to citizens, according to the Cabinet of Ministers’ site.
“The government has extended and broadened the program of state guarantees for free medical care through 2025. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin chaired today’s meeting, highlighting the delivery of high-technology services and targeted support.”
The expansion also covers medical rehabilitation and now includes at-home provision of essential medical devices. New components add prevention and treatment for hepatitis C patients and the early detection and management of diabetes.
Key Changes in 2023
In 2023, financing for the program within compulsory medical insurance rose by 295 billion rubles, including an 8.5% increase in the payroll fund. The budget for high-tech medical care grew by about 8 billion rubles, enabling high-technology interventions for about 1.3 million patients.
Additionally, for the first time this year, the volume of medical care was designated as a distinct category for dispensary monitoring of Russians with chronic illnesses.
Starting in 2023, the Federal Fund for Compulsory Medical Insurance was tasked with analyzing health-care expenditures against the 2022 expenditure structure. The fund detects deviations and must promptly relay findings to the Ministry of Health.
Compensation for Doctors
From January 1, physicians in scarce specialties will receive additional government-set payments. This includes specialists who perform complex research in cancer diagnosis, with raises going to scientists who may lack a medical degree.
Those extra wages range from 4,500 to 18,500 rubles per month, depending on the employee’s field. In total, about 1.1 million people nationwide are expected to benefit from these increases.
Over 152 billion rubles were allocated for these additional payments in 2023. The highest allowance of 18,500 rubles will go to doctors in central district, district, and regional hospitals. Officials emphasize that payments should reach every eligible doctor, paramedic, and nurse without delay, and regional leaders along with medical organizations are urged to monitor delivery of funds.
Health workers in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as in Kherson and Zaporozhye, will also be eligible for bonuses. Regional branches of the Social Fund, including the national postal service, are coordinating registrations and payment transfer options. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova noted that the first social payments for January would be issued in February 2023.