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3. Potential Increase in Hospital Fees and Insurance Premiums

Tensions persist between the Lebanese Hospital Owners' Syndicate and the Association of Insurance Companies. The conflict stems from a decision by the former, chaired by Sleiman Haroun, to increase hospital fees contracted with insurance companies by 15%, citing the need to “continue providing quality services to insured patients.”

After "categorically rejecting" this hike, and to avoid escalating the situation, the insurance companies have decided to seek a compromise so that patients "who are already suffering from the high cost of living" would not bear the consequences of the issues arising with hospitals.

"Insurance companies have therefore urged hospitals to control doctors' fees, prosthetic charges and all expenses related to surgeries," explains Assaad Mirza, president of the Association of Insurance Companies, in an interview with This is Beirut, suggesting that there have been abuses in this regard. "Once this has been thoroughly examined, talks on raising hospitalization fees can start," he adds.

Mirza indicates that insurance companies are willing to approve a 4% increase. However, the Lebanese Hospital Owners' Syndicate responded by stating that of the 15% increase requested, 7.5% goes to the hospitals, while the other half is allocated to doctors, medical supplies and medications.

The Syndicate argues that "the actual cost of services no longer keeps up with the rising prices of products, particularly consumer goods included in the cost of hospital services (non-billable items), especially following the removal of subsidies on some of them."

What about insurance premiums? Mirza expresses concern that "rates will certainly rise," adding that "the medical insurance sector cannot bear this financial burden, especially since it is facing a 140% loss, as confirmed by studies from the Ministry of Economy." He also points out that more than 200,000 people have left the insurance sector due to the economic crisis.

What is certain is that these increases, both in hospital fees and insurance premiums, will place an ever-growing strain on the finances of the Lebanese, whether they are insured or not.