Amine Tahraoui: Integrating CNOPS into CNSS to Streamline Management Without Compromising Achievements
The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, revealed detailed information regarding the draft law for integrating the National Fund for Social Health Organizations (CNOPS) into the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). He affirmed that the primary goal of this initiative is to unify the administrative management of the systems while preserving the identity and accomplishments of both the public and private sectors.
During a meeting of the Education, Culture, and Communication Committee in the House of Representatives, held on Tuesday to discuss the draft law No. 54.23 amending and supplementing law No. 65.00 related to compulsory basic health insurance and establishing specific provisions, referred from the House of Councillors, Tahraoui emphasized that the project focuses on transferring operational powers for the compulsory basic health insurance system from CNOPS to CNSS. This aims to enhance management efficiency and ensure the sustainability of both financial and administrative systems.
The minister noted that this measure does not mean an immediate merger of all insurance systems into one. He stressed that any such step depends on conducting in-depth studies to ensure the financial and technical sustainability of the entire system.
He pointed out that the project stipulates the cancellation of the special system for students while maintaining their benefits from the compulsory basic health insurance during a transitional phase. Additionally, the age limit for dependents who are unmarried will be extended to 30 years, except for students belonging to traditional educational institutions affiliated with Al Quaraouiyine University. This aims to avoid duplication and achieve equal rights.
Tahraoui added that foreign students enrolled in public or private higher education and vocational training institutions will be able to benefit from the new system, provided they are not enrolled in any other insurance scheme.
The minister discussed the historical role of cooperatives in managing compulsory basic health insurance, confirming that the agreements made between them and CNOPS will remain in effect during the transitional phase, with the possibility of enhancing this role in the future based on studies carried out by the ministry to promote system integration and improve healthcare service quality.
He reiterated that the project aims to enhance the financial sustainability of insurance systems, clarifying that the current deficit arises from a mismatch between contribution levels and the cost of health coverage. Unifying management will strengthen monitoring mechanisms, optimize resources, and develop payment and insurance systems without affecting the rights of employees or beneficiaries.
Tahraoui affirmed that this project represents a transitional phase in the reform of the insurance system in Morocco, focusing on leveraging technology, developing information systems, and activating regulatory bodies to ensure effective oversight of both the public and private sectors, thereby enhancing system efficiency and protecting citizens’ rights.
In conclusion, the minister stressed that the draft law aims to improve the effectiveness of compulsory basic health insurance and streamline management without an immediate merger of systems while preserving achievements and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system. He indicated that the implementation of these reforms will be gradual and accompanied by technical studies to ensure their success and achieve the public interest and quality of healthcare services.
