New Health Ministry Rules – Why Parents Are Opposing
Israel has launched the second phase of the child development services reform: health funds stop reimbursing private therapy for new patients. Restrictions now apply to children aged six to nine. Parents and unions warn of a collapse of the state system and eight-month waiting lists.
Israel has officially launched the second phase of a large-scale reform of child development services. Under the new rules, health funds stop paying reimbursements for private therapy for new patients. Now, all necessary specialized services must be provided primarily within the state healthcare system. The first phase of the reform was launched in February and applied to new patients under six without a diagnosed autism or severe somatic disorders. Starting in August, the new rules extend to children aged six to nine. These are vital corrective procedures: help from speech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and child psychologists. For children already undergoing private treatment with reimbursement, a transition period is provided until the end of the course or until January 2030. For children with autism and severe disorders, the transition will begin later. The introduction of the second phase is postponed until January 1, 2027, for the Golan Heights, Arava, Jordan Valley, Negev, and the Dead Sea area due to staff shortages. According to the Health Ministry, health funds have hired 166 new specialists. Since February, the number of procedures has increased by about 22,000 (about 6%). In the southern district, targets have not been met. Opponents of the reform warn of a collapse of state institutions and eight-month waiting lists, which is critical for children needing early intervention.