No abstract

Informal payments continue to exist in Bulgaria irrespective of the formal co-payments introduced in 2000. Although the problem has been recognized in Bulgaria, policies should aim to eliminate the underlying structural reasons for such payments.

The high level of both formal and informal out-of-pocket payments for health care services in Bulgaria poses a considerable burden for households and undermines access to health services for poorer parts of the population.

No abstract

In Bulgaria, health promotion and health education have received less attention in comparison to other public health areas, which has resulted in a small health promotion budget and consequently, in limited health promotion initiatives. This country report draws upon several national reports focused on the Bulgarian health system, and other country specific sources in order to outline the major institutional and financing challenges for health promotion in Bulgaria, and specifically for health promotion for older adults. As evident from this review, the programs and activities oriented toward health promotion for older adults are inconsistent and incomprehensive. The existing programs are mostly in the form of isolated small-scale projects aimed at enabling older workers to reach the statutory retirement, or supporting retired citizens to maintain their health and well-being. Effective strategic vision, coordination and stable funding in the area of health promotion for older adults is indispensable for helping Bulgarian seniors to live longer and healthier.