a. Question and Answers b. Press Releases
Question and Answers
Background on Announcement
H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in his role as Ruler of Abu Dhabi has passed Law No. 23 - The Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Regulation Bill. The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (GAHS) alongside other ministerial departments will enforce the law.
Announcement
What is being announced today?
We are going to announce the Code of Regulations for Health Insurance Law No. 23 of 2005 after being approved by the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi.
What does this mean?
The Code of Regulations for Law No. 23 has been approved by the Executive Council, meaning that all elements within the Code are finalised, and Phase I will be ready for implementation on July 1.
What does the law do?
The law obliges all employers/sponsors in Abu Dhabi to provide health insurance for expatriates residing and working in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This will happen in two phases:
Phase 1 - Effective July 1, 2006, the law will be applicable to all local and federal government, quasi-government organisations, and private companies employing over 1000 expatriate staff.
Phase 2 - Effective January 1, 2007, all expatriates residing in Abu Dhabi must have health insurance provided by their employer/sponsor.
The law also covers the employees’ wife and family up to 3 children below the age of 18. All must be covered by health insurance provided by the employer/sponsor.
Are any companies exempted from the law?
Yes. Any organisation which proves to have its own medical facilities which are maintained to the highest standards as set within the Code of Regulations and audited by GAHS will not be required to provide health insurance.
How will the law be enforced?
We expect that all companies within Abu Dhabi will comply with the law given the due time and notice that has been given. A fair and severe list of punitive measures has been formulated and approved within the Code of Regulations. A committee has been formed including GAHS and other government bodies to supervise the implementation of the law.
Health Insurance Law No 23 / GAHS
What are the Authority’s objectives in implementing the Health Insurance Law?
By implementing this law, the Authority aims to:
■ Foster an efficient and competitive health insurance industry
■ Protect the interests of all participants to the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Ensure the optimal utilisation of health insurance premiums for the level of benefits covered
■ Promote the prudential safety of all participants in the Health Insurance Industry
■ Support the private sector
■ Provide appropriate health care for all participants in the scheme
What are the Authority’s tasks and responsibilities?
GAHS shall be responsible for the general introduction, supervision and administration of the Health Insurance Scheme established by the Health Insurance Law. The Authority shall:
■ Oversee and coordinate the operation of the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Be responsible for the registration, licensing, supervision and inspection of Authorised Providers and Authorised Insurers in relation to the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Prescribe and collect fees for the registration and licensing of Authorised Providers and Authorised Insurers
■ Determine and enforce the implementation of applicable standards to be met by Authorised Providers and Authorised Insurers relating to the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Implement and enforce policies and procedures, prescribe and collect fees, prepare and distribute forms and documentation for the implementation of Health Insurance Services
■ Implement and oversee the complaints and dispute resolution procedures set out in these Regulations
■ Oversee and approve the scope and timetable for introduction of Health Care Services to be provided by Authorised Providers pursuant to the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Oversee and be responsible for the recommendation and appointment of Authorised Officers and work with other government and federal authorities to ensure compliance with the Health Insurance Law and these Regulations, and the proper and effective functioning of the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Conduct inspections and investigations as appropriate in association with other government and federal authorities to ensure that all participant in the Health Insurance Scheme comply with the Health Insurance Law and these Regulations
■ Report to the Executive Council with recommendations in respect of all matters concerning the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Promote knowledge and understanding of the Authority’s functions within the context of the operation of the Health Insurance Scheme
■ Perform any other functions that are incidental to the performance of any of the preceding functions
How will the scheme be monitored/conflict resolution?
GAHS will implement and oversee the complaints and dispute resolution procedures set out in the Code of Regulations. It will also conduct inspections and investigations as appropriate in association with other government and federal authorities to ensure that all participants in the Health Insurance Scheme comply with the Health Insurance Law and these Regulations.
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