Iranian Government Unveils Comprehensive Digital Overhaul for Retirees’ Welfare
In a significant move to modernize and enhance the welfare system for its retired community, the Iranian government has announced a sweeping set of reforms, headlined by the full digitalization of health insurance services.
A New Digital Frontier for Healthcare
Dr. Aladdin Azvaji, the Acting Head of the National Retirement Fund, declared that all processes for supplementary health insurance, including payments and documentation, have now transitioned to a fully online and automated system. This initiative eliminates the need for retirees to make in-person visits to fund branches.
“The Dana Insurance Company’s ‘DanaP’ system has been updated so that all medical invoices can be uploaded without any cost ceiling limitations, and payments will be processed automatically,” Dr. Azvaji stated. He emphasized that the primary goal is to “reduce travel for our dear retirees and facilitate their access to medical services.”
Expanding the “Houses of Hope”
Beyond digital healthcare, the government is focusing on the physical hubs for retirees. Dr. Azvaji outlined plans to transform the existing 59 “Houses of Hope” across the country into comprehensive service centers. The new strategy will shift their focus towards providing educational, health, sports, and electronic services, with the government drawing on successful models from provinces like Isfahan and Kermanshah.
Lifestyle Training and Revitalized Travel Benefits
A nationwide program on “Retirement and Aging Lifestyle” is set to launch this winter. In collaboration with specialized organizations, the program will offer training on healthy living, psychological and social skills, and preventing social isolation.
In a boost to retirees’ quality of life, the 50% subsidized travel program has been reinstated. Retirees can once again utilize this subsidy for family trips to domestic hotels. The government aims to double the number of beneficiaries from the current 150,000 to over 300,000-400,000 individuals.
Economic Empowerment and Inclusive Governance
Further economic support is on the horizon with a new welfare package currently under development. This package is designed to increase purchasing power through discount schemes and low-interest loans.
Dr. Azvaji also confirmed the continuation of essential loans, including marriage loans for retirees’ children, with 350,000 retirees slated to receive 4% interest loans from Export Bank by the year’s end.
Highlighting a commitment to participatory governance, Dr. Azvaji announced that three retirees, selected by retiree associations from across the country, will be appointed to an advisory board to counsel the Fund’s CEO. “If the law permits, a representative will also be introduced as an observer member on the supervisory board to make processes more transparent and participatory,” he added.
The government further plans to leverage the expertise of retired professionals, inviting them to collaborate with the Fund on consultancy or contracting projects, thereby creating income opportunities for retirees while boosting the Fund’s productivity.
The announcements were made during a meeting with representatives of retiree associations, where a wide range of topics concerning retiree welfare were discussed, underscoring the government’s multi-faceted approach to supporting its retired citizens.
