The Romanian state has accumulated arrears of over 4.1 billion lei to companies for delayed reimbursed medical leaves, although the law requires the amounts to be refunded within a maximum of 60 days.
The situation is creating a major financial blockage, especially for small businesses, which are at risk of insolvency or even bankruptcy.
According to TVR Info, thousands of companies are affected by payment delays, considering that the amounts for medical leaves are initially covered by employers.
Entrepreneur Raluca Duțu says she has been waiting for the reimbursement of approximately 15,000 lei for just five files for eight months. This situation is not unique, and for many small businesses, these delays mean a cash flow blockage.
Tax consultant Luminița Obaciu warns that a company with multiple long-term medical leaves can quickly become unable to pay its suppliers or tax obligations.
Ignored Legal Deadlines
The law stipulates that the state must reimburse the amounts within a maximum of 60 days, but in practice, deadlines are often exceeded.
Furthermore, if the reimbursement is not made within three years, the amounts become prescribed, and companies permanently lose the money.
Lawyers recommend notifying CNAS, and in the absence of a response within 30 days, initiating legal actions to recover the amounts, including interest and penalties.
CNAS Proposes Contribution Increase
The National Health Insurance House argues that to cover these debts, it is necessary to increase employers' contributions to the health fund.
Currently, for the minimum wage, the contribution is 84 lei, but only about 30% of this amount actually reaches the healthcare system. CNAS proposes increasing the share to at least 40%.
Tax experts suggest that the state's arrears be offset with the taxes and duties owed by companies. This measure could help companies in the short term, but it would reduce budget revenues.
Huge Pressure on the Healthcare System
Data shows that over 3 million Romanians benefited from medical leaves last year, putting pressure on both the CNAS budget and companies' finances.
Without a rapid intervention, payment delays risk triggering a chain reaction in the economy, particularly affecting small businesses, which are most vulnerable to liquidity blockages.