The bill described as the most comprehensive debt restructuring package in the history of the Republic will be brought to the Parliament agenda next week. If approved, the law will restructure all public debts. The details of this wide-ranging debt restructuring package, eagerly awaited by those who owe money to state institutions, have now been clarified.
Among the debts to be restructured are General Health Insurance (GSS) premium debts. According to the amendment to be debated in Parliament, debts up to 2,000 Turkish lira will be waived. The repayment term for those who restructure their debts will be extended to 48 months. Application and reconsideration periods will be kept long, and substantial payment advantages will be offered to those who owe money to the government.
GSS Premium Debts Will Be Restructured
Details of the restructuring regulation that debtors to public institutions have been waiting for are becoming clear. As with previous years’ restructuring laws, General Health Insurance premium debts will be included in this package. Easements will be provided for GSS premium debts. In some cases interest will be erased, while in others an income test will be applied and debts may be fully written off based on the result.
Attention to Those with Accumulated GSS Premium Debt
In Turkey, all citizens and foreign residents must have their General Health Insurance premiums paid to access health services. For almost all employed people, GSS premiums are paid automatically. GSS premiums are also covered for dependents such as spouses, children or parents when they are insured under another person’s coverage.
Those who pay Bağkur premiums as self-employed business owners or those who pay voluntary insurance do not have a separate GSS premium obligation. Apart from these groups, GSS premiums must be paid every month to benefit from health services.
How to Restructure GSS Premium Debt
GSS premium payments are calculated at a rate equal to 3% of the gross minimum wage per month. In 2023, the monthly GSS premium amounted to 300 lira and 24 kuruş. Those who pay this premium are covered under GSS for themselves, their spouses and their children.
However, those who have accumulated unpaid GSS premium debt in past years will be able to restructure their debt under the law expected to be approved by Parliament. After the law is enacted, it will be enough to apply to the Social Security Institution (SGK) to have interest on GSS premium debt waived and to request payment in 48 monthly installments.