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Questions about Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund (Russia)

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund of Russia created?

The Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund (FFOMS) was created on the 24th of February 1993, by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR, numbered 4543-I.

What does the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund (FFOMS) do?

FFOMS finances medical services for Russian citizens through a pool of money held outside the federal and regional budgets. Its core functions are equalizing the activity of regional compulsory medical insurance funds, funding targeted programs under the Compulsory Health Insurance, and controlling the rational use of those funds.

What laws govern the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund in Russia?

FFOMS operates under the Budget Code of Russia and the law titled "On Compulsory Health Insurance in the Russian Federation," along with other laws and regulations.

What is an extra-budgetary fund in Russia and how does FFOMS fit that category?

An extra-budgetary fund in Russia is a state fund that is not part of the federal or regional budgets, keeping its resources ring-fenced for a specific purpose. FFOMS is classified as an extra-budgetary fund, meaning its financing for healthcare sits entirely outside the standard government budget process.

Who has led the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund since it was founded?

Seven people have led FFOMS since 1993: Vladimir Grishin (1993-1998), Andrei Taranov (1998-2006), Dmitry Reyhart in an acting capacity (2006-2008), Andrei Jurin (2008-2012), Natalia Stadchenko (2012-2020), Elena Chernyakova (2020-2022), and Ilya Balanin from 2022 to the present.

Why does Russia have a separate compulsory medical insurance fund instead of funding healthcare through the regular budget?

FFOMS was established as an extra-budgetary fund so that healthcare financing would be ring-fenced and not subject to the ordinary federal or regional budget processes. This structure also allows the fund to actively level disparities between wealthier and poorer regions in the delivery of compulsory health insurance.