Bulgaria approves 2026 health and social insurance budgets amid deficit concerns

Parliament debated and approved the first reading of the 2026 budgets for the State Social Insurance (DSO) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The bills, introduced on July 1, received positive committee reports and were scheduled for plenary discussion. The NHIF budget passed with 131 votes in favour, 58 against and one abstention, supported by Progressive Bulgaria and DPS and opposed by GERB‑SDS, Democratic Bulgaria, PP and Revival.

The NHIF budget forecasts total revenues of €5.256 billion, including €5.138 billion from health‑insurance contributions and €1.95 billion in state transfers. Expenditures rise by €412.3 million (8.5 %) to fund hospital care (€2.342 bn), specialized outpatient services (€351.2 m) and primary outpatient care (€345.6 m). The contribution rate stays at 8 %, split 60:40 between employers and employees, with an 80:20 split for civil servants.

The broader state budget projects a 5.7 % deficit of GDP, well above the Eurozone 3 % limit, and public debt exceeding €37 billion. Minimum wage is set to increase to €620.20 and the maximum insured income to €2,300. Business groups have criticised the higher insurance thresholds, warning of increased costs and a larger informal economy, while opposition parties demand structural reforms.