Significant improvements to the rules governing young people’s entitlement to healthcare benefits, as well as to the framework for leave for working parents, will be included in a bill from the Labour Ministry, which is expected to go out for public consultation in the coming days.
As Labour Minister Niki Kerameus herself disclosed, the measures will include provisions to address gaps that currently arise in young people’s entitlement to health cover after they turn 18. In practice, these will extend healthcare and medicines cover for young people who reach adulthood while still at secondary school, as well as in a range of other cases where the current legal framework is inadequate.
Unmarried children over 18 who are students or unemployed can continue to receive healthcare and medicines cover through their parents’ insurance (as indirectly insured dependants) until the age of 24. Those studying at universities or equivalent institutions may retain their insurance entitlement for up to two years after completing their studies, and in all cases no later than the age of 26, provided they remain unmarried and unemployed.
In most cases, renewal takes place automatically through electronic systems (IDIKA, e-EFKA), provided the records are accurate and cross-checked. If there is a problem (for example, a missing tax identification number or information about their studies), supporting documents are required, such as a solemn declaration under Law 1599/1986 stating that they are not working, are unmarried and have no other healthcare cover, as well as a recent certificate of studies or academic ID number. These can be submitted electronically or in person at the local e-EFKA directorate.
The Labour Ministry’s new provision is intended to cover this period, during which a child may be left without cover, particularly if they have not yet completed secondary education.
Similar situations arise when a young person covered as an indirectly insured dependant, for example while studying, works for a period. While working, they will receive healthcare and medicines cover under their own insurance. Afterwards, however, they will have to return to cover as a dependent under their parents’ insurance. The provision will set out the procedure.
Other provisions on parental leave will abolish the mandatory waiting period between parental leaves for different children, simplify procedures for parents who work for the same employer, and make carer’s leave easier to access.
Changes are also coming to carer’s leave, with the requirement to have completed six months’ employment with the same employer being abolished. This leave is for employees who need to provide personal care or support to someone with a serious medical condition, subject to the legal requirements.