Ten years of the Basic Care Act: improved services, but further legislation needed

The Basic Care Implementation Agency celebrates its ten-year anniversary this year. Rebekka Brown-Kortram, vice-chair of the agency, emphasizes the lasting value of the Basic Care Act. Despite progress made, there are still challenges, such as the lack of government decrees from previous administrations. This has hindered the agency from functioning optimally, especially in enforcing the law and ensuring employee insurance.
Over the past ten years, the agency has transformed, with an expansion of both staff and services offered. Brown-Kortram advocates that all citizens should insure themselves with an insurance company, to prevent anyone from being without basic care. Supportive legislation is already in place, but the promulgation of a government decree is crucial for further improvements.
To improve communication with the public, the agency has implemented plans such as placing complaint boxes at various locations. This should enable citizens to share their concerns and advice. Brown-Kortram notes that the number of complaints has decreased, indicating a positive development.
Additionally, there is a solution for citizens who are unable to fully pay their medical expenses: they can take out a loan from the People’s Credit Bank (VCB). The registration process for the basic care card has also been significantly improved; citizens can now submit and track their applications digitally.

...