The National Health Insurance Law passed its final obstacle this week when the Knesset passed an amendment calling for its implementation on Jan. 1.
The amendment effectively severed the last tie between the Histadrut labor federation and the health tax citizens pay for health fund membership.
Under the current system, the Histadrut has collected the health tax for the Kupat Holim Clalit health fund, which it owns, and has taken off a portion for its own needs.
The National Health Insurance Law was passed by the Knesset several months ago, but its implementation was delayed until an alternative source of funding for the debt-ridden Histadrut could be found.
The Histadrut is seeking to solve its funding problems in negations with the government and private sector employers on a package deal.
According to the amendment, recipients of National Insurance Institute or Defense Ministry stipends, who receive supplementary income payments, will play about $15 a month for health insurance. Those who do not require supplementary income payments will pay about $30 a month.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
