The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine is working on reforming the social insurance system to improve support for people who have suffered injuries or serious illnesses. At the heart of this reform is the introduction of the digital platform ePotential, which aims to create an effective system of assistance and rehabilitation for people with disabilities, facilitating their return to active life.
Key changes to the social insurance system
As part of the reform, a new draft law has been developed, which the Ministry has submitted for public discussion. Among the main changes is the abandonment of the traditional approach to disability determination, which is currently carried out by the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC). Instead, disability issues will be resolved by multidisciplinary teams using digital technologies. In addition, each person will undergo an individual work capacity assessment to help determine whether they are able to return to work.
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Increased insurance benefits and comprehensive rehabilitation support
The reform provides for an increase in insurance payments for people who have lost their ability to work due to illness or injury. Those who are able to return to work after rehabilitation will have access to free medical supplies, social services, employment assistance and retraining. The proposed amendments also protect people from dismissal due to incapacity for work and allow them to recover their health for more than one year on a paid basis.
A new approach to care and rehabilitation
Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy, noted that the goal of the reform is to create conditions for everyone who has faced health problems to return to an active life. According to her, the state will provide assistance not only to compensate for losses due to disability, but also to support the development of the potential of a person with health problems.
– We need to change the social insurance system so that every person who has suffered an illness or injury has a real chance to return to active life and become independent,” Zholnovych said.
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Step-by-step support and extended rehabilitation
The draft law also provides for the introduction of a step-by-step algorithm that will accompany a person on the path from rehabilitation to employment. The rehabilitation package will include restoration of physical and mental health and professional skills. Paid rehabilitation will last up to a year, with payments of 70% to 100% of the average salary. In the case of outpatient rehabilitation, there is a possibility of part-time work while receiving rehabilitation payments.
Distinguishing between disability and ability to work statuses
The reform clearly distinguishes between disability and ability to work statuses. Disability status will be determined by a multidisciplinary team using digital tools. The ability to work will be assessed remotely after rehabilitation, and the amount of assistance will be determined by the degree of ability to work. If the ability to work is completely lost, the state will provide stable financial support for a decent life.
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Implementation of electronic case management and reduction of bureaucracy
As part of the reform, electronic case management will be introduced, combining social and medical data to create a transparent and efficient support system. This will help to reduce bureaucracy and increase the speed and convenience of receiving assistance, allowing people to get the support they need faster.
Guarantees of payments and social benefits
The reform does not provide for any cuts in benefits or social guarantees. All citizens receiving disability pensions will continue to receive their payments in full.
Equal opportunities and decent support
The implementation of the social insurance reform aims to create conditions for fair rules of support for all citizens who have experienced significant changes in their health and ability to work. The state seeks to create opportunities for people to realise their potential, achieve independence and provide financial support to those who can no longer work.
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