PHILIPSBURG–The submission of fraudulent documents, persons claiming to be registered when they are not, and companies paying the incorrect amount of premiums are amongst the issues Social and Health Insurances SZV faces with businesses that are not complying with their obligations to ensure that their workers are insured.
Minster of Health, Labour and Social Affairs VSA Emil Lee said on Wednesday that compliance is an issue amongst businesses.
He commended SZV for its efforts to increase compliance and address customer complaints with a workshop that is planned for next week.
Lee said he has received regular calls with complaints from businesses and individuals regarding their documentation for a doctor card or medical referral process. These complaints do not go unheard. In consultations with SZV regarding structural solutions and streamlining of services, one of the outcomes is that SZV is faced with a challenge – there is quite a compliance issue amongst businesses.
Lee believes businesses that are compliant should not be treated the same as those that are noncompliant. “Let’s not treat all businesses the same. Let’s find a different method. If a company has always been compliant, it should not be treated the same as one who was just registered yesterday or is non-complaint.”
One matter being discussed with SZV is finding a balance between compliance and service – finding different ways to limit employees being punished by not receiving their health insurance due to non-compliance of their employer.
Lee acknowledged that these are cumbersome matters to regulate, but said e-Government and e-Health can be options that can resolve some of these issues and improve compliance controls for SZV. “I know that the team of SZV is working hard to address the issues and find a balance.”
The registration workshops being held by SZV next week are a start to help employers become more educated on the procedures of filling in forms. “The workshop is an excellent way to inform and educate. You assist and facilitate and, when necessary to, take further measures to ensure compliance.”
Employees’ rights are also important. Lee said employees should ensure that their employers register them at SZV and that they make their appointments to receive their SZV cards. Employees who have questions about the procedures can contact SZV’s customer service options for information. Employees who are unsure about their rights can reach out to the Ministry or SZV.
“We are happy to be a resource for both employers and employees in terms of getting it right,” Lee said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80329-lee-says-compliance-a-big-issue-amongst-businesses
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