Republic of Srpska law taxing foreign pensioners' health insurance faces constitutional challenge

The National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska adopted amendments to the Law on Mandatory Health Insurance on 9 July, requiring pensioners who spent the majority of their working life abroad to pay a health‑insurance contribution equal to 10.2 % of their pension. The measure excludes war‑veteran categories, which sparked protests from veteran organisations.

Legal experts argue the law was passed under an urgent procedure that did not meet the three statutory conditions, rendering the adoption formally unconstitutional. They also contend the substantive provisions violate Article 37 of the RS Constitution, which guarantees older citizens the right to health care financed from public revenues. The government has responded to the backlash by preparing further amendments that would exempt the veteran categories from the contribution.

The controversy highlights tensions between fiscal policy and constitutional rights in the entity, and it may prompt a review by the RS Constitutional Court.