Morocco’s Government Council has given its approval to draft law No. 46.23, a comprehensive amendment and supplementation of Law No. 98.15 concerning the basic compulsory sickness insurance system.
The law primarily targets professionals, independent workers, and non-wage earners engaged in private activities. The initiative was introduced by Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khaled Ait Taleb, Morocco state media reported.
During a press conference following the Council meeting, Mustafa Paytas, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, provided insights into the new law’s objectives. He elucidated that the draft’s key purpose is to revise and augment Law No. 98.15, which originally outlined the system of compulsory basic sickness insurance for the aforementioned categories. This system was established under Dahir No. 1.17.15 on 28 Ramadan 1438 (January 23, 2017) and has undergone subsequent amendments and supplements.
Paytas underlined that the draft introduces provisions aimed at aligning with the stipulations of Law No. 65.00, which itself was amended and supplemented by Law No. 27.22. The focus lies particularly on the annulment of Article III (3) provisions and the integration of existing legislative and regulatory texts.
Notably, if an insured individual ceases to contribute for a continuous period exceeding 12 months, the National Social Security Fund will possess the authority to institute a new training period. This period will be determined within three months, starting from the subsequent month to the insured individual’s regularization of their contribution status.
Furthermore, the draft law addresses the financial aspect. According to Paytas, the contribution payable by insured individuals will be calculated based on the highest arbitrary income or contribution duty.
This calculation applies in cases where the individual falls into multiple classes, subclasses, or groups of categories due to their various professions and activities. An amendment to Article 29 seeks to enhance the process of producing a certificate verifying the regular fulfillment of contribution duties.
The approval of this draft law signifies a significant step forward in bolstering the country’s healthcare coverage for professionals and non-wage earners operating within private sectors. By mandating compulsory basic sickness insurance, the government aims to ensure that these individuals have access to essential healthcare services, even in the face of unforeseen medical challenges.
The law’s provisions not only emphasize adherence to contribution responsibilities but also aim to streamline administrative processes and promote the overall welfare of these vital segments of the workforce.
The newly approved draft law is expected to bring about a positive transformation in the healthcare landscape, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating a robust social safety net for its citizens. With this move, Morocco takes a stride towards fortifying its healthcare system and safeguarding the well-being of those contributing to its economic growth.
