Subside Assurance Maladie Neuchatel : The complete guide
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In Switzerland, basic health insurance has been made compulsory by the Federal Law on Health Insurance (LAMal). However, for people on modest incomes, health insurance premiums can be too expensive. To alleviate this problem, several Swiss cantons have set up subsidies to reduce the cost of premiums for their citizens. The canton of Neuchâtel is one of them.
Find out everything you need to know about subsidies in Neuchâtel: what these subsidies are, what the conditions for obtaining them are, how to apply for a subsidy in Neuchâtel, how to choose the right basic health insurance, etc.
What is a health insurance subsidy?
Health insurance in Switzerland is an important part of residents' health and well-being. Switzerland offers a comprehensive healthcare system - run by private insurers - that covers most medical expenses. These contracts are divided into two parts: basic health insurance (which is compulsory) and additional health insurance (which is optional).
However, compulsory insurance premiums represent a cost that citizens on modest incomes may find difficult to bear. For this reason, Swiss cantons have introduced subsidies, which are sums of money provided to eligible citizens. Citizens who meet the criteria can thus benefit from financial assistance to cover part of the cost of medical care.
What are the particularities of the health insurance subsidy in Neuchâtel?
Neuchâtel is one of the Swiss cantons offering subsidies to residents on modest incomes. These subsidies are managed by the canton's Service de l'action sociale, and more specifically by the Office cantonal de l'assurance maladie de Neuchâtel.
As with all health insurance subsidies in Switzerland, the subsidies offered by the canton of Neuchâtel are paid directly to the health insurance companies. The insurers are then responsible for deducting the subsidies from premiums, so that their beneficiaries can take advantage of the reduction.
However, the canton of Neuchâtel applies its own rules. For example, people at least 26 years old do not need to apply for a health insurance subsidy in Neuchâtel. Those under 26, however, are required to go to one of the regional counters to apply.
For what type of health insurance can the subsidy in Neuchâtel be granted?
The Neuchâtel subsidy is valid only for basic insurance. It cannot therefore be used to finance complementary health insurance.
As a reminder, complementary health insurance is optional coverage for specific services, such as dental care or optical care. These insurances are paid through monthly premiums and - since they are not compulsory - are not concerned by subsidies.
However, if you want to find a complementary health insurance at the best price, the Comparea service will be able to find you the most suitable offer. To do this, we carefully study your needs and guide you towards the contract that offers you the best cover within your budget. A free insurance comparator, our group is independent and not associated with any insurer.
What is basic health insurance?
LAMal health insurance is the basic healthcare system in Switzerland. Compulsory, it is financed by contributions paid by insured persons. This insurance covers all current medical expenses: outpatient and inpatient care, medication, vaccinations and medical examinations. Certain other treatments (cures, psychotherapy, etc.) may also be covered on your doctor's prescription.
In addition, basic health insurance in Switzerland offers financial protection in the event of illness or injury. This system is managed by the health insurance funds, which are private insurers. The Swiss health insurance model is considered to be one of the best in the world. Effective even without complementary health insurance, it offers very good medical coverage for the population.
Thanks to the health insurance subsidy in Neuchâtel, people on modest incomes therefore have the opportunity to be well covered, and at lower cost.
How to choose the right basic health insurance in Neuchâtel?
The LAMal law stipulates a set of healthcare services that must be included in compulsory insurance. Thus, each health insurance company offers a formula that includes these coverages. The care benefits therefore do not vary from one contract to another: only the services and the premium amount change.
To benefit from additional cover, you need to go through a complementary health insurance.
Comparea is here to help you choose the right basic insurance in Neuchâtel. Our independent service allows you to compare the offers of many insurance companies in Switzerland. You'll be able to find the KVG/LAMal insurance that meets all your expectations.
How is income assessed for the subsidy in Neuchâtel?
Income is assessed according to age, number of family members and income (professional or not).
To calculate the determining income, the Neuchâtel cantonal administration first takes into account your effective income as indicated on figure 5.5 of the current tax return. 30% of your effective wealth is also taken into account, after deduction of :
- 4,000 Swiss francs for a single person
- 8,000 francs for a couple
- 2,000 francs for each dependent minor child
Other deductions may apply, namely those in figures 6.4 and 5.5.
For insured persons receiving retirement, old-age, accident, military or life annuities, effective income is determined by taking into account all annuities paid.
How is the amount of the subsidy determined in Neuchâtel?
The principle behind the subsidy in Neuchâtel is the same as in other cantons. The amount of the subsidy is calculated according to the person's standard of living and family situation.
Of course, residents of the canton of Neuchâtel with modest incomes and large families enjoy a high subsidy. Income ceilings are determined annually by the canton of Neuchâtel. Conversely, people with higher incomes receive a lower subsidy.
The canton of Neuchâtel does not have an official calculator for determining subsidy entitlements. Nevertheless, many examples are available on the cantonal administration website. They will enable you to situate yourself according to your family situation and income. There are examples for a wide range of situations: an adult living alone, an adult with two dependent children, a couple with one dependent child, etc.
Example of how subsidies work in Neuchâtel
In contrast to other Swiss cantons, the way subsidies are calculated in Neuchâtel remains relatively complex. For this reason, as mentioned above, the OCAM offers a number of scenarios to help you understand how it works. Here are a few examples applying to the year 2024:
- For a single person with a determining income of CHF 27,000, the subsidy amounts to 319 francs per month
- For a couple with two dependent children with an income of CHF 35,000, the subsidy is 531 francs / month for the adults and 116 francs / month for the children
- A childless young adult with a determining income of CHF 39,500 is not entitled to the subsidy
- For a family of two adults, one child and two young adult students with an income of CHF 45,000, the two adults will each receive a subsidy of 319 francs / month. The child will get a subsidy of 116 francs / month, and the young students will each get a subsidy of 394 francs / month
- For a couple with two dependent young adult students and an income of CHF 70,000, the parents are not beneficiaries. Their children can each get a subsidy of 315 francs / month.
To properly assess your entitlements, we recommend that you contact the OCAM in Neuchâtel.
How do I apply for a subsidy in Neuchâtel?
Normally, residents of the canton of Neuchâtel are automatically informed when they are entitled to the health insurance subsidy and that it is going to be paid to them. However, there are a few special cases in which the insured must apply for a subsidy in Neuchâtel:
- People with an income of less than CHF 15,000 a year
- People aged 18 to 25 who work but have no family to support
- Adult people who are in initial training
- Fiscally independent insured persons.
To apply for a subsidy in Neuchâtel, however, 3 conditions must be met:
- To have taken out LAMal insurance (basic health insurance in Switzerland);
- To be over 18
- To not have already received notification of entitlement to the subsidy from the canton.
What documents are required to apply for a subsidy in Neuchâtel?
To apply for a health insurance subsidy in Neuchâtel, you will need 3 documents:
- Your proof of income for the year in question
- A photocopy of your identity card
- The health insurance policy.
These documents must be submitted to one of the regional counters. You can also fill in and sign the subsidy application form in Neuchâtel. Unlike other cantons, Neuchâtel does not yet accept online applications.
How to renew your subsidy in Neuchâtel?
As with the awarding of the subsidy, renewal of the subsidy in Neuchâtel is normally automatic. So, if you are receiving health insurance subsidies and your situation has not changed, your rights will be renewed the following year without you having to do anything. An exception applies only to insured persons who are self-employed for tax purposes, who must file a new application for each year.
If your family or financial situation has changed, you should contact the OCAM counter to obtain the appropriate information and make a new application for a subsidy. You can then renew your entitlements with ease.
Where to contact the health insurance subsidy service in Neuchâtel?
Do you have a question about how subsidies work in the canton of Neuchâtel? Would you like to apply for a subsidy in Neuchâtel? If so, the ideal solution is to contact the local cantonal health insurance office directly.
To contact the administration linked to subsidies in Neuchâtel, there are several possibilities:
- Join the telephone service on 032 889 66 30
- Go directly to the OCAM
- Get in touch via the form on the canton of Neuchâtel website.
Updated on: 01.02.2024Written by Alexis MilonHead of health insurance department at Comparea.To learn more about our team click here.