The Ministry of Finance will propose allowing members of Israel's various health funds to switch between providers via the Internet, according to the Globes online business magazine.
Israelis, who are all covered by one of Israel's health care providers, are allowed to switch four times a year, but must currently show up in person at a post office branch in order to do so. According to the new plan, a member will be able to choose his new health fund by accessing the Israeli government website www.gov.il, and will be able to change providers six times per year.
Proponents of the plan say the current system discourages switches and deters competition in the health care industry, an opinion which has garnered the backing of the Ministry of Health. Opponents of the change fear health funds with strong branding and name recognition will take advantage of the change to dramatically increase their membership, detracting from the funding for other funds.