A new procedure has recently been initiated by the ICA in a series of strategies that it has been launching to simplify (bureaucratic) processes and make it easier for cancer patients to exercise their rights and eligibility.
This new ICA-initiated procedure aims to make it easier for patients who are eligible for a Special Services Benefit which is awarded in addition to the disability benefit. The eligibility for a Special Services Benefit is examined according to the patient's need for assistance with daily activities and his or her dependence on others.
The present procedure was supported by the National Insurance Institute and has been implemented in collaboration with National Insurance entities.
In the past, the ICA initiated a procedure that exempts cancer patients who are eligible for the disability benefit from appearing before the Medical Appeals Board of the National Insurance Institute. Further to previous procedures, this new initiative enables the cancer patient who is eligible for a disability benefit, and who, according to all the criteria, is also eligible for a Special Services Benefit, to exercise his or her eligibility without the need to appear before the Medical Appeals Board of the National Insurance Institute.
Mrs. Orit Spira, Director of the ICA Rehabilitation and Welfare Department, added: "We have created one single medical form which aims to make the decision making process easier, shorter and simpler for the cancer patient. This is an online form that may be downloaded on ICA's website, which the Department physician can fill it out quickly; during the process of granting the disability (benefit), the eligibility for the Special Services Benefit will also be reviewed, without "dragging" the patient to the Medical (Appeals) Board. This is an additional and important step that makes it easier for patients, so that they can exercise their rights more easily. I thank all parties involved at the National Insurance Institute for their understanding, support and full cooperation which they have given throughout this process".
To download the National Insurance Application Form (in Hebrew) click here.
The National Insurance Institute Director General, Prof. Mor Yossef reported that this activity forms part of the dialogue that the National Insurance Institute holds with the public, and added that the National Insurance Institute is engaged in developing and expanding accessibility to services offered to insureds in collaboration with associations and organizations engaged in social welfare.