Cyprus Health Insurance Organization proposes new regulatory powers and age limits for providers

The Cypriot Ministry of Health has introduced two draft bills currently under public consultation, aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework of the General Health System (Gesy). The proposed changes significantly expand the powers of the Health Insurance Organization (HIO/OAY) by introducing stricter oversight, including the authority to audit payments made up to 12 years prior in cases of fraud. Furthermore, the legislation enables the HIO to reclaim funds paid in violation of existing terms and grants the organization the power to restrict the entry of new service providers into the system.

A key provision within the second amendment bill involves the reintroduction of a mandatory age limit for health professionals participating in Gesy. While the current text does not specify a precise age threshold or distinguish between medical specialties, it aims to establish a legislative basis for this requirement, which has been a subject of parliamentary and public debate for years. Additionally, the proposal includes a substantial increase in administrative fines for providers, which could reach up to 600,000 euros. The current phase involves public consultation before these measures proceed to further legislative processing.