National Health Insurance Fund and Bulgarian Medical Association Signed the Framework Agreement for 2026–2028

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Bulgarian Medical Association (BMA) have signed the National Framework Agreement for medical activities for the 2026–2028 period. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Health in the presence of Health Minister Katya Ivkova, NHIF Governor Dr Vladimir Daskalov and BMA Management Board Chairman Dr Nikolay Branzalov.

Prices for activities in primary outpatient medical care will increase by an average of 4.38%, while those for specialised outpatient medical care will rise by an average of 4.37%. Prices for medical diagnostic activities will remain unchanged, but a larger volume of tests has been agreed.

In hospital care, prices for activities will increase by up to 10% on average, with the exception of certain activities, including haemodialysis, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and haematological diseases, transplants, and some types of highly specialised tests and procedures.

Under the new agreement, algorithms, prices and volumes have been agreed for the new clinical pathways, clinical and outpatient procedures included in the package of medical services covered by the NHIF budget. The aim is to modernise the package and expand diagnostic and treatment options. Additional activities are to be provided through outpatient procedures in order to improve disease management and reduce the need for hospitalisation.

The new framework agreement includes two new clinical pathways – for transient ischaemic attacks and for the treatment of urinary and genital tract infections. New outpatient procedures are also planned, including next-generation sequencing for patients newly diagnosed with cancer.