A bill to strengthen medical coverage for students

Friday 10th January 2025 12:16 PM

THE Moroccan students could soon benefit from a medical coverage expanded thanks to bill n°54.23, presented by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraouilast Tuesday within the Committee on Education, Cultural and Social Affairs in the House of Representatives. This text, which modifies and completes Law No. 65.00 relating tocompulsory health insurance (AMO)constitutes a major step forward by expanding access to care and introducing specific conditions to include people unable to pay their contributions.

Among the main measures, the project proposes to extend the age limit so that studentsregistered in public or private higher education or professional training establishments, can benefit from medical coverage. From now on, they would be covered until the age of 30, compared to 26 years currently. Foreign students will also have access to theAMOthanks to agreements between the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and the authorities and organizations concerned.

However, the capping of the age of eligibility will not concern students of traditional educational institutes or affiliated with Al-Quaraouiyine University. According to the presentation presented by the minister, this reform also aims to offer a transition to students previously covered free of charge by the State. The latter can be integrated into the AMO scheme intended for people unable to pay their contributions, provided they submit a request within the deadlines provided for by regulation.

Centralized management for universal medical coverage

At the same time, the bill initiates an overhaul of the system by entrusting the management ofcompulsory health insurance for the public sector to the CNSSthus unifying the management of health insurance under a single entity. This transfer will simplify the administration of insurance systems for the private and public sectors, as well as for people unable to pay. There CNSS will also replace the National fund of social security organizations (CNOPS) in agreements with mutualwhile guaranteeing continuity of services for policyholders and their beneficiaries. The text also provides that the movable and immovable property of the CNOPS will be transferred free of charge to the CNSS. As for interns, contract workers and employees of the CNOPS, they will be automatically integrated into the CNSS with maintenance of their rights, both for retirement plans and for health insurance.

Furthermore, the project defines the conditions of access to AMO for people with incapacity, by requiring registration in the Unified Social Register (RSU) and proof of their inability to pay. These beneficiaries must also not be covered by another insurance plan, whether as main insured persons or beneficiaries.

Adaptations for employers and harmonization of schemes

Regarding public and private organizations offering medical covers optional to their employees via collective contracts with mutual societies or insurance companies, the bill provides that the latter will be able to continue this policy during a transitional period, subject to proving their existence and guaranteeing benefits similar to those of the AMO. The project also proposes to harmonize the penalties for late payment of contributions between the AMO and the social security systems. It also provides for the participation of the CNSS in health prevention policies, such as medical examinations and awareness campaigns, according to terms defined by decree.

Finally, to ensure a smooth transition, the law will only come into force after a period of 12 months following its publication in the Official Bulletin. This reform will also repeal Decree-Law No. 2.18.781, which established the Moroccan Health Insurance Fund, while affirming the role of the CNSS in financing prevention and health awareness initiatives. This bill marks a decisive step towards the generalization of compulsory health insurance in Morocco, by placing students and vulnerable people at the heart of priorities.

Morocco