Patients with a long-term illness who miss two initial assessment appointments will lose their benefits under new legislation.
The new rules are laid out by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) in the Federal Government's 'comprehensive plan for the prevention and reintegration of long-term sick people' seen by De Tijd.
Missing these appointments with a medical advisor will result in losing benefits under a draft law aiming to reduce government spending in this area (currently €9 billion a year on paying people unable to work due to illness). However, a resumption of the normal meeting process will allow the patient to regain access.
Better attendance required
Individuals who miss two consecutive meetings with the Return to Work Coordinator will see their daily allowance reduced by 10%. If they fail to attend the reintegration evaluation by the prevention advisor or occupational physician without a valid reason, their allowance will be denied.
Long-term patients without employment contracts must register with the regional employment office within 14 days once they are able to work again. If they fail to do so, they must meet with a medical advisor or team. Those who register with regional services Actiris or Forem but do not attend the appointment will have their daily allowance reduced by 10%.
From 1 July, the Bart De Wever's Arizona government plans to end the procedure that allows employees to receive 30 days of guaranteed salary from their employer each time they relapse. Employees will only be entitled to this guaranteed salary after eight weeks of full-time work resumption. Those who relapse after partial work resumption will immediately revert to benefits.
