First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Health Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (717 SE)
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-10-08 22:10
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 35
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 31m
AI Summaries: 35/35 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first reading of Draft Bill 717, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Health Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, took place in the Riigikogu. Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller introduced the four main amendments of the draft bill, the goal of which is to make the health insurance system fairer, more flexible, and more efficient. Among the most significant changes, the Minister highlighted the possibility of starting part-time work during a long-term illness as early as the 31st day (instead of the current 61st day), increasing the flexibility of voluntary health insurance payments (the option to pay in installments), and ending the payment of double compensation in the form of sickness benefits to recipients of unemployment insurance benefits.
The fourth amendment, concerning the change in the basis for calculating the incapacity benefit for pregnant women, generated the sharpest discussion. Henceforth, the benefit will be calculated based on the income subject to social tax from the previous calendar year (MTA data), thereby equating pregnant women with other working people. Previously, the average salary for six months submitted by the employer was taken into account for pregnant women. The Minister justified the change by reducing the administrative burden and mitigating the risk of system abuse. Riina Solman (Isamaa) and Rain Epler (EKRE) expressed concern that this amendment could bring negative consequences for pregnant women who have recently returned from parental leave or whose salary has recently increased, and they found that suspecting pregnant women of fraud is hypocritical. Irja Lutsar, a representative of the Social Affairs Committee, confirmed that the amendment was discussed thoroughly in the committee, highlighting officials' explanations that the change affects approximately 1,300 individuals and is necessary to prevent fraud.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 717 was concluded.
The deadline for the submission of proposed amendments was set as October 22nd at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Riina Solman (Isamaa) was the most active speaker, repeatedly posing questions and delivering a speech on behalf of the faction. She focused critically on the amendment regarding the calculation of incapacity benefit for pregnant women. Her position was stronger.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the sixth item on the Riigikogu’s agenda, which was the first reading of Draft Act 717 on amendments to the Health Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, and invited Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller to the rostrum.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Minister Karmen Joller introduced the draft amendment to the Health Insurance and Occupational Health laws, the aim of which is to make the system more flexible and efficient, highlighting four main changes: shortening the period for returning to partial work while on sick leave to 31 days; creating the option to pay voluntary insurance in installments; ending the payment of double benefits (unemployment and sickness benefits); and simplifying the calculation procedure for sickness benefits for pregnant women and equating it with that of other employees, thereby reducing the administrative burden.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller introduced amendments to the Health Insurance and Occupational Health Act, the central objective of which is to make the system more flexible, fairer, and more efficient. Among the most significant changes, she highlighted the option to return to part-time work during a long-term illness starting as early as the 31st day, the simplification of payment terms for voluntary health insurance (allowing installment payments), the exclusion of receiving double benefits (unemployment and sickness benefits), and the standardization of calculating sickness benefits for pregnant women based on the previous year's income, which will reduce the administrative burden.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the respected minister and then gave the floor to Riina Solman so she could ask him at least one question.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman expresses concern over the new benefit calculation procedure, which equates pregnant women with others and will calculate benefits based on the average salary of six months instead of the annual salary. She stresses that this change will financially harm women who were previously on parental leave, and she urgently requests that the exception for pregnant women be reconsidered in order to support the birth rate and account for the inherent complexities associated with pregnancy.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticizes the proposal discussed in the Social Affairs Committee to equalize pregnant women with others in the calculation of benefits, arguing that the new calculation method, based on the average salary of the last six months, will particularly disadvantage women who were on parental leave during the previous calendar year. She requests that the provision be reviewed again in order to support the carriers of new life, whom the Estonian state needs.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller explained that the current system for maternity benefits—where the amount received depends on salary fluctuations immediately preceding the pregnancy—is being reformed primarily to ease the administrative load on the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa). This is necessary because manual calculations are time-consuming and adequate digital systems are lacking. She confirmed that, following the change, pregnant women will not be placed in a worse position compared to other employees.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller explained that the current system for calculating pregnancy benefits—which is based on the salary earned prior to pregnancy and can place women in either a favorable or unfavorable position depending on changes in their wages—is extremely burdensome for the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa). Due to the lack of digital systems, this process requires time-consuming manual labor and email exchanges, which is the primary motivation for changing the system. She stressed, however, that pregnant women will not be put at a disadvantage compared to other employees.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Rain Epler to the podium, giving him the floor.
Rain Epler
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Rain Epler requests clarification and a detailed explanation regarding how the period used as the basis for calculating maternity leave compensation has changed according to the interpretation of the new law. Specifically, is the calculation based on the time of conception or the calendar year preceding the start of the maternity leave—for instance, using 2024 as the basis when the leave begins in October 2025—since the previously applicable rules are changing.
Rain Epler
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Rain Epler requests correction of the misconception that the calculation period for pregnancy and maternity benefits begins upon conception, stressing that the correct calculation period is tied to the commencement of maternity leave, and demands clarification on how the new interpretation of the law alters the rules for calculating the calendar year (e.g., 2024 for leave taken in 2025) compared to previous practice.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller explains that the current process of transferring pregnant women to lighter duties is cumbersome "manual labor," requiring the manual checking of employment contracts and separate inquiries. However, in the future, this process will be made fully automatic, similar to how benefits are calculated for other working individuals.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Minister Karmen Joller emphasizes that the current system used to calculate the pre-sick leave period for pregnant women is a manual and burdensome process. It requires separate inquiries and the constant back-and-forth of contracts. Therefore, moving forward, this system will be fully automated, following the model used for all other working individuals, in order to avoid unnecessary administrative load.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Riina Solman, inviting her to the rostrum.
Riina Solman
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Riina Solman focuses on those disadvantaged by the new system, emphasizing that due to constantly rising wages, the financial loss for pregnant women under the new calculation methodology could exceed 100 euros per month. She notes this is particularly painful for those who have just returned to work after parental leave, and calls for the system to be reviewed to prevent significant losses.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman expressed concern regarding the new system for calculating benefits, noting that because it takes into account salary increases and income from the previous year, it causes significant financial losses (over 100 euros per month) specifically for pregnant women and mothers who have recently returned to work from parental leave, and she therefore requested that the system be reviewed.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Minister Karmen Joller explains that the reduction of income due to absence from work or a decreased workload is a standard part of the current system, which affects all employees. In the case of pregnant women, the financial impact depends on individual income, and the situation may not necessarily worsen; in fact, it could even improve. For this reason, there are currently no plans to review the system.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Minister Karmen Joller explains that, similar to other employees whose income decreases due to time spent away from work, the income of pregnant women also depends on individual circumstances. She emphasizes that, compared to the current system, the situation may not necessarily worsen; in fact, it could even improve depending on the specific case.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Rain Epler to be the next speaker and deliver an address.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar briefly gave the floor to Rain Epler, requesting that he begin his presentation.
Rain Epler
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Rain Epler starts by criticizing the assertion that taxes must be declared manually, emphasizing that in a digital society, salary and tax data are known monthly, down to the last cent. He then asks whether a waiting period applies to voluntary Tervisekassa (Health Insurance Fund) insurance to prevent people from purchasing coverage through a digital service immediately before they require hospitalization.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler refutes the claim regarding manual processing when declaring wage data, referring to the precise monthly data provided by the e-state. Furthermore, he wishes to know how voluntary insurance through the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) is regulated, specifically whether it includes a waiting period that would prevent the purchase of insurance immediately before the need for hospital treatment arises.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Minister Karmen Joller explained that the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) aims to ensure equal terms for all employees by utilizing national registers, noting that coverage usually begins within 60 days of starting employment, operating on the same principles as any other health insurance. She further added that the contracts are established for one year, payments are flexible, and the waiting period and access to assistance are equal for everyone.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Social Minister Karmen Joller confirms that the conditions for Health Insurance Fund coverage, including the use of national registers and the 60-day waiting period, are equal for everyone. She emphasized that exactly the same requirements apply for obtaining health insurance, and while payments are flexible, contracts are typically concluded for one year.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded the round of questions to the minister, then apologized for a procedural error, and invited Irja Lutsar, a member of the Social Affairs Committee, to the Riigikogu rostrum so that she could present the discussion that had taken place in the committee before the opening of the debate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded the round of questions directed at the minister, but subsequently amended the agenda by inviting Irja Lutsar, a member of the Social Affairs Committee, to the Riigikogu rostrum to present the discussion that had taken place within the committee before opening the floor for debate.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar provides an overview of Draft Law 717, which was discussed by the Social Affairs Committee. The purpose of the draft law is to streamline the procedure for paying sickness benefits by ending the payment of double compensation (unemployment insurance and sickness benefit) and standardizing the basis for calculating sickness benefits for pregnant women (using data from the Tax and Customs Board instead of data submitted by the employer) to reduce the risk of system abuse. Furthermore, the discussion addressed social guarantees and the terms of voluntary health insurance for non-working individuals from third countries, which resulted in a proposal to conclude the first reading of the draft.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar introduced the discussion in the Social Affairs Committee regarding Draft Law 717. The primary objectives of this draft law are to stop the payment of sickness benefits to those who are already receiving unemployment support, thus preventing double compensation, and to standardize the basis for calculating sickness benefits for pregnant women to limit abuse of the system, using data from the Tax and Customs Board. Additionally, the committee addressed the issue of social guarantees for refugees and third-country nationals. It was decided by consensus to submit the draft law to the plenary session agenda for its first reading.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker, confirmed the absence of questions, then opened the debate and invited colleague Riina Solman, representing the Isamaa faction, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Riina Solman
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Riina Solman sharply criticizes the draft legislation, which alters the basis for calculating compensation paid when pregnant women are moved to lighter duties, shifting the calculation from the six-month average to the average salary of the previous calendar year. She stresses that this amendment negatively impacts, for instance, women who were on parental leave last year, and amounts to an unwarranted suspicion of fraud, particularly given that the state is ignoring major issues of abuse within the parental benefits system. As an alternative solution, she proposes an IT system to facilitate the verification of salary data submitted by employers.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman sharply criticized the planned change to the basis for calculating compensation paid when pregnant women are transferred to lighter duties. The change involves shifting the calculation from the average salary of the previous six months to the average of the previous calendar year. She argued that this would negatively impact many women, particularly those returning from parental leave. Furthermore, she labeled the justification—based on the fear of fraud risk—as hypocritical, noting that the state is simultaneously failing to address cases of misuse within larger social schemes. Instead, she proposed creating an IT system to verify existing salary data as the solution.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested three additional minutes to continue his address.
Riina Solman
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Riina Solman has issued sharp criticism regarding the unequal treatment of expectant mothers when it comes to benefit payments. She argues that undervaluing pregnant women and deliberately creating difficulties for them is unacceptable, particularly given their increasing expenses and Estonia's already low birth rate. She stresses that drawing comparisons between expectant mothers and recipients of other benefits is inherently antagonistic, and she urges the minister to swiftly re-examine this matter with officials to ensure pregnant women are not unfairly treated.
Riina Solman
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Riina Solman expresses fierce opposition to the proposed changes to benefits for pregnant women, emphasizing that the proposal is unequal, underestimates the rising costs and physical changes experienced by expectant mothers, and is irresponsible in the context of low birth rates. Therefore, she asks the minister to withdraw the draft bill and stop disadvantaging pregnant women.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar closed the debate since there were no further requests for the floor and the minister also declined to speak. He then concluded the first reading of Bill 717, setting the deadline for the submission of amendments as 5:15 PM on October 22 of the current year.