Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Health Insurance Act and Consequently Amendments to Other Acts (Prevention of Incapacity for Work) (Bill 377 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly social democratic, supporting amendments to the Health Insurance Act that expand social benefits and employment opportunities for individuals currently on sick leave. It is emphasized that the draft legislation will make people’s lives easier and rectify previous deficiencies, such as the lack of support for parents of children with serious illnesses. The stance is highly supportive, and the policy is geared toward enhancing social welfare values.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the Health Insurance Act, particularly concerning the systems for sickness benefits, care benefits, and supplementary medicine reimbursements. They reference specific historical dates (2014) and financial thresholds (100 euros), which indicates a technical mastery of the domain. Furthermore, they pose a specific question regarding the medical definition of a "severe condition."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is optimistic and constructive, expressing great satisfaction with the draft bill and urging unanimous support. Both logical explanations (such as the example of remote work and a broken leg) and emotional references (like the parents of children suffering from cancer) are employed to highlight the human dimension of the proposed changes. The speaker maintains a formal yet encouraging tone, requesting colleagues to support the bill "in unity and noble peace."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity include participation in the discussions of the Social Affairs Committee, where a "very good discussion" took place. He/She also refers to previous active work as Minister of Social Protection in 2014, including meetings with interest groups (members of the association of parents of children with cancer).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no confrontation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is very open and supportive; the Minister of Health is commended for presenting the draft legislation, and constructive discussions within the Social Affairs Committee are referenced. The speaker urges the Riigikogu to process the bill quickly and unanimously, thereby demonstrating a desire for broad support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is entirely at the national level, concentrating on Estonian legislation and the social security system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for labor flexibility and maintaining social insurance, enabling individuals on sick leave to work under adjusted conditions and earn income subject to social security contributions. This, in turn, helps prevent the loss of taxable income during periods of illness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus concerning social issues is directed towards supporting vulnerable groups, particularly through extending the care allowance to parents of children with severe health conditions. Emphasis is also placed on achieving better access to medicines and medical devices by expanding the scope of the supplementary medicine reimbursement.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill amending the Health Insurance Act (377 SE), which aims to prevent incapacity for work and expand social benefits. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill and emphasizes the need for its rapid processing, highlighting that the additional reimbursement for medicines and medical devices will take effect in 2025.
2 Speeches Analyzed