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Lebanon
The National Social Security Fund announced significant updates to its medical procedures and supplies schedule, aiming to enhance healthcare coverage for beneficiaries.
The Public Relations Directorate of the National Social Security Fund issued a statement revealing that, approximately six months after launching the new medical procedures schedule and implementing it in December 2025, the Fund has continued to advance this modernization effort. Under the guidance and supervision of Director General Dr. Mohamed Karki, the Fund has taken additional practical steps, emphasizing that this approach is an ongoing process evolving according to the needs of both beneficiaries and healthcare providers.
Based on Board of Directors decisions numbered 1495, 1496, 1497, and 1498, and with the approval of the supervisory authority, Dr. Karki issued a series of circulars on June 18, 2026. These circulars introduced qualitative amendments and additions to the medical procedures schedule and the medical supplies list, thereby enhancing the Fund’s capacity to meet the increasing healthcare demands of its beneficiaries.
Specifically, Circular No. 834 put into effect a revised medical procedures schedule after reevaluating the existing version. The updated schedule now includes approximately 2,860 medical procedures covering all types of treatments for beneficiaries. It serves as a reference for the Social Security administration to monitor approved medical procedures, aligning with developments and innovations in medical care and hospitalization. All insurance institutions and healthcare providers in Lebanon can now rely on this schedule.
Circular No. 835 expanded the types of radiological treatments approved by the Fund, increasing the number from three to six. It also adjusted the fixed fees for these procedures, ranging between 1,000 and 4,400 US dollars depending on the specific medical procedure. This expansion allows coverage of all available radiological treatments for beneficiaries in Lebanon.
In a pioneering and significant health measure, Circular No. 836 included coverage for cochlear implant surgery under the Fund’s benefits. The coverage amount is approximately 20,000 US dollars, enabling patients—particularly children with severe hearing impairments—to access specialized treatment that was previously financially prohibitive for many families.
Regarding medical supplies, Circular No. 837 added peritoneal dialysis supplies to the medical supplies list and set their coverage cost based on current market prices in Lebanon. This step provides essential support to patients requiring this type of ongoing treatment and alleviates their recurring financial burdens.
The statement highlighted that these successive decisions demonstrate the National Social Security Fund’s approach to the medical procedures schedule as a dynamic and continuously developing tool rather than a fixed list updated infrequently. They also reflect the Director General’s clear intention to broaden healthcare coverage, keep pace with modern treatments, and reduce financial burdens on beneficiaries while ensuring efficient and sustainable healthcare spending. Through these practical decisions, the Fund continues to solidify its role as a fundamental pillar of health and social protection in Lebanon, directly impacting beneficiaries’ lives and their right to fair, adequate, and up-to-date medical care.
Dr. Karki urged all healthcare providers to adhere to the fees set by the Social Security administration. He added that following the completion and expansion of coverage for most medical procedures, the Fund will launch a comprehensive campaign to ensure beneficiaries are not charged any unjustified financial differences, with appropriate measures to be taken against violators.
