ANS Reaches Framework Agreement on Financing with Health Insurers

Bratislava, 18 March (TASR) - The Slovak Hospitals Association (ANS) has reached a framework agreement on financing during negotiations with the state-run VsZP and the private Dovera health-insurance companies, while negotiations with another private health insurer, Union, will continue, with a final offer due to be made on Monday (23 March), ANS informed TASR on Wednesday. "We're talking about a financial framework that still needs to be finalised - specifically, how much funding will go to what type of health care. However, it's an agreement that should, to a large extent, cover the needs of our members," said ANS first vice-president Igor Pramuk. According to ANS, satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations will depend on whether the competent authorities, including the Health Ministry and lawmakers, realise that if they approve something and order it to be paid by law, they should also provide the necessary funding. "We view today's negotiations as a huge step forward. I also want to thank our members who participated in the discussion, and the entire negotiation team for their efforts," commented Pramuk. The association still has a contingency plan. "We see no reason to implement it at the moment, as long as we reach an agreement with the health-insurance companies on the remaining details. However, the situation we've faced this year has taught us that we must have a back-up solution, which we now have ready," added Pramuk. Dovera has told TASR that it's agreed with ANS on adjustments to contractual and pricing conditions for 2026. "Part of the agreement is that, depending on developments in the financing of the health-care sector, further negotiations on funding adjustments will take place in the second half of the year," said Dovera spokesperson Matej Stepiansky. Union spokesperson Beata Dupalova Ksenzsighova confirmed for TASR that negotiations between her insurer and ANS will continue. ko/df