Recent discussions have revealed that new regulations may soon impact millions of retired workers in Turkey. Currently, employees contribute 12.5% of their income to general health insurance, with 7.5% covered by employers and 5% by employees. Notably, those who continue to work after retirement are currently exempt from these health insurance premiums.
Instead, they are only required to pay the social security support premium. However, there’s a growing concern that retirees who choose to continue working may soon be required to contribute to the general health insurance premiums. A key point of contention is whether these premiums will be deducted from their retirement pension or from the salary they earn in their current job.
Additionally, there are discussions about potentially implementing an age limit of 55-60 years for this requirement. Once the necessary studies are finalized, the proposal is expected to be presented to the Parliament.
A Glance at the Numbers
According to the Social Security Institution, there are approximately 2 million retirees who are still in the workforce. This potential change could significantly affect their financial situation, so it’s essential to stay updated on the discussions surrounding this issue.
In my opinion, while it’s important for retirees to contribute to health insurance, we must consider the impact on their finances. Many retirees rely on their pensions, and adding extra premiums could strain their budgets. It would be beneficial to approach this with a balanced perspective, ensuring support for both the retirees and the overall health insurance system.
