Transfer CNOPS-CNSS: The CESE Issues a Warning
CESE Raises Concerns Over Health Insurance Management Transfer
The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) has voiced serious reservations regarding the proposed transfer of management for mandatory health insurance in the public sector from the National Health Insurance Fund (CNOPS) to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), as outlined in Law 54.23.
In its opinion, the institution argues that while this reform is significant for the broader initiative to generalize social protection, it remains incomplete and carries various risks that could jeopardize the stability of the system. The CESE particularly emphasizes the lack of a prior actuarial study, which is essential for accurately assessing the true impact of this merger.
The Council draws attention to the financial disparity between the two systems: the CNSS boasts a solid annual surplus and comfortable reserves, while the CNOPS is grappling with a worsening structural deficit that has been escalating for several years. According to its projections, the reserves of the public regime could be depleted by 2028.
Additionally, the CESE warns about the danger of an automatic transfer of this deficit to the CNSS, without prior corrective mechanisms in place. It cautions against excessive centralization of decision-making power within the CNSS, which could weaken governance and complicate the institutional transition.
Integrating CNOPS employees into the CNSS presents another significant challenge. While their acquired rights will be preserved, the Council mentions potential difficulties related to career harmonization and a risk of losing expertise in the management of the public sector.
Moreover, the CESE identifies several legal gray areas, particularly concerning the transitional period for collective insurance contracts, the cessation deadlines for which remain unspecified. This uncertainty creates ambiguity for affected companies and operators.
Lastly, the elimination of the specific health insurance regime for students has also raised concerns. Now linked to their parents’ coverage, some students may lose previously enjoyed benefits and face increased medical expenses out-of-pocket.
Despite these reservations, the CESE acknowledges certain positive aspects of the reform, such as the digitalization of medical records, the strengthening of CNSS’s bargaining power, and the acceleration of healthcare system modernization.
