As clarified by the agency, children in this age category are considered privileged citizens and can receive free treatment in hospitals in accordance with the State Guarantee Program.
The following medical services are provided in hospitals without the need for co-payment:
- treatment and observation — includes examinations, consultations with doctors of various specialties, and a full course of therapy according to the diagnosis;
- diagnostics — includes all standard laboratory tests (e.g., blood and urine tests, biochemical studies) and instrumental methods (X-ray, ultrasound, etc.);
- medications — provision of necessary medications from the list of essential drugs;
- care and nutrition — nursing care and meals throughout the entire hospital stay.
Conditions for hospitalization to receive free treatment
Planned hospitalization: for a child to be hospitalized on a planned basis, a referral from a family doctor or a specialized specialist is required. It is important to note that if a patient is admitted to the hospital without a referral, all services are charged according to established rates, even if the child has a privileged status.Emergency care: in cases of emergency conditions that threaten life, hospitalization occurs through emergency services, and a referral is not required.
Exception: payment for expensive studies
The MHIF reminds that benefits do not apply to expensive studies and procedures (such as high-tech diagnostics and complex manipulations), even for children under 6 years old. These services are paid for according to the price list at the medical institution's cash desk, regardless of privileged status. The hospital is obliged to inform parents about the necessity and cost of such studies before they are conducted. Any questions and cases of unlawful payment demands can be clarified by contacting the MHIF's 24-hour hotline at 113.
