The Moroccan government’s ongoing effort to merge the National Fund for Social Welfare Organizations (CNOPS) with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) has reached a significant turning point. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has completed revisions to the draft of Law No. 54.23, which amends and supplements Law No. 65.00 regarding mandatory health insurance and establishes specific provisions. This new draft comes just weeks after the first version stirred controversy among mutual organizations and trade unions, who raised concerns about its potential impact on their members.
Under the new proposal, the government aims to centralize the management of mandatory health insurance systems across both the public and private sectors, consolidating the administration of health coverage for those unable to pay subscription fees. Additionally, the law intends to end the special health insurance system for students, recognizing that most Moroccan students are now entitled to basic health coverage under the universal system. The revised document also outlines the transfer of assets and liabilities from CNOPS to CNSS, including funds deposited in banking accounts and the reimbursement of medical claims. It further proposes a unification of late payment penalties for contributions, aligning them with the rates applied by the social security system.
The document, signed by the new Minister of Health, Amine Tahrawi, is set to be presented to the government council for discussion and approval. The law also suggests the possibility of CNSS partially or fully financing preventive health services, such as medical exams and health education programs, aligned with the state’s health policy priorities. While the proposed changes were delayed last September to allow for further debate, the revisions were made after consultations with mutual organizations, addressing concerns raised by these groups. As the government seeks to modernize the system and improve its efficiency, trade unions have expressed reservations, stressing the importance of social dialogue in any reforms related to social security. Despite earlier opposition, mutual organizations now find clarity in the amended draft, with adjustments made to protect their members’ rights and benefits.
07/11/2024
