Belgian healthcare insurers (mutualités) have issued strong statements of ambition regarding the service they provide, in light of the new Federal Government agreement.
However, there are lingering concerns about certain austerity measures that may indirectly affect the health of Belgians. “We are particularly worried about some austerity measures, such as capping social benefits and limiting the duration of unemployment,” said Elise Derroitte, vice-president of Christelijke Mutualiteit. She also criticised the lack of measures to combat poverty, which she said "significantly deteriorates health.”
While the government agreement contains positive developments, both mutualities emphasise the need for involving grassroots actors in decision-making, particularly concerning long-term incapacity for work. “Professional reintegration is crucial, but without stronger prevention, the number of long-term sick people will remain worrisome,” Derroitte added. “Employment can aid recovery, but it should not be the sole objective.”
The Mutualités Libres (Partenamut, Helan, and Freie Krankenkasse) stress the importance of focusing on key projects such as overhauling hospital funding, revising the nomenclature, reforming the convention system (INAMI), and implementing a comprehensive plan for incapacity for work. They emphasise that these should be planned within a feasible budget and timeline.
“The new agreement presents a bold vision for the future of healthcare in Belgium, but attempting to reform everything at once is unrealistic,” warned Xavier Brenez, General Director of the Mutualités Libres. “Pursuing multiple objectives without clear priorities could undermine essential reforms. The government agreement will only be credible if the financial and human resources match the health and work incapacity ambitions,” he concluded.
