The government approved the transfer to cover a health-insurance subsidy shortfall, drawing 19.08 billion dram from welfare spending and 10.22 billion dram from debt-servicing funds.
Armenia’s government approved the reallocation of 29.3 billion dram for universal health insurance without oral discussion at its November 12 meeting. The money will go to the Health Ministry to cover a shortfall in state subsidies for insurance premiums, Civic.am, a news site close to the governing Civil Contract party, said.
The draft provides for 19.08 billion dram from the Labour and Welfare Ministry’s budget and 10.22 billion dram from state debt-servicing funds.
Armenia began introducing universal health insurance in phases in 2026, initially covering some population groups. The government plans to extend coverage gradually in later phases.
The decision’s draft annexes set out reductions to allocations for programs under the Labour and Welfare Ministry. They do not explain how the changes will affect beneficiaries.
| Program | Reduction |
|---|---|
| Benefits for disadvantaged families | 6 billion dram |
| Support for people displaced from Karabakh | 5 billion dram |
| Employment support for people with bad loan debts | 4.5 billion dram |
| One-time childbirth benefits | 1 billion dram (about $2.8 million) |
| Financial support for families with three or more children | 1 billion dram (about $2.8 million) |
| Childcare benefits for children under two | 500 million dram |
| Pension security | |
The restriction starts 2 January 2027. The government says it aims to protect food security and reproduction of whitefish in Lake Sevan.
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The proposed Criminal Code amendments would also make purchasing sexual services from a child a criminal offence.
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The renamed Kharberd Care Centre will provide round-the-clock care and accommodation for qualifying children aged 16–18 without parental care and, in cases set by law, people formerly in that category.
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