Since 1 July 2022, the provision of assistive devices, aids, equipment and medical devices for people with disabilities has been administered by the Bulgarian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and its regional structures, the Regional Health Insurance Funds (RHIFs).
The NHIF and RHIFs review applications, issue approvals and fund the provision of assistive devices in accordance with the applicable conditions and specifications.
Who is eligible for an NHIF-funded assistive device?
People with disabilities may be eligible when their need for an assistive device has been individually established through a medical document issued by a Medical Advisory Committee (LKK), Territorial Expert Medical Commission (TELK) or National Expert Medical Commission (NELK).
A TELK decision is not required in every case. Depending on the specific assistive device, a medical protocol issued by a specialised LKK may be sufficient.
Eligible applicants may include:
- People with permanent disabilities
- Older people with limited mobility
- Patients recovering from an injury or operation
- People with chronic conditions who need an assistive device for mobility or personal care
Specific eligibility is determined by the person’s medical condition and the requirements for the relevant type of assistive device.
Required documents
An electronic medical protocol or a decision by an LKK, TELK or NELK prescribing the specific type of assistive device is usually required.
When the document is issued by an LKK, the committee must specialise in the relevant medical condition. Current information about medical facilities and specialised committees can be found on the website of the relevant Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI).
If the procedure is completed by an authorised representative, written authorisation is required. Notarisation is not necessary. A copy of the authorisation must be presented when the assistive device is collected.
Prepare:
- An identity document
- An electronic protocol or decision by an LKK, TELK or NELK
- Contact details for receiving the notification
- Written authorisation when the procedure is completed by another person
- A copy of the authorisation when an authorised representative collects the assistive device
The procedure step by step
- A medical document is issued by an LKK, TELK or NELK
- The application is submitted electronically to the NHIF
- An expert committee of the NHIF or RHIF reviews the application
- An approval or a reasoned refusal is issued
- A contracted supplier is selected
- The approved assistive device is received
1. Issuing the medical document
An LKK, TELK or NELK issues an electronic protocol or decision prescribing the necessary assistive device. The application is sent electronically to the NHIF information system.
Along with the protocol or decision, the applicant or their authorised representative completes an application confirming agreement with the prescribed assistive device and the need for it to be provided.
2. Review and approval
An expert committee of the NHIF or RHIF reviews the application and issues either an approval or a reasoned refusal.
The review period is up to 7 days from receipt of the application.
You may be notified of the result by SMS or Viber using the telephone number provided. If approved, you will receive a 10-digit code required to obtain the assistive device.
3. Selecting a contracted supplier
Once you have received approval, you may choose a supplier that has a contract with an RHIF to provide the relevant type of assistive device.
Your choice is not restricted by your permanent or current address. The approved assistive device may be obtained from a contracted supplier anywhere in Bulgaria.
The prescription uses a code from the NHIF specification; the medical document does not specify a particular brand, model or company.
4. Receiving the assistive device
Provide the approval code you have received to the Angelo team, after which you can obtain the prescribed assistive device.
You must present an identity document when collecting the device. If an authorised representative collects it, a copy of the written authorisation must also be presented.
5. Time limit for using the approval
The right to obtain the prescribed assistive device must be exercised within 6 months of its determination in the medical document.
If the issued code is not used within this period, the application is deactivated. This does not remove the person’s right to appear again before the relevant medical committee and repeat the procedure.
6. Prescribed service life
Each assistive device is provided for a specified service life, which varies according to the type of device.
Once this period has expired, a new application may be made through the established procedure, provided the current medical conditions are met.
What happens if a reasoned refusal is issued?
If the application does not meet the conditions in the current NHIF specification, a reasoned refusal may be issued. It must state the reasons why the application was not approved.
The applicant may request a paper copy of the refusal to review the reasons and exercise the applicable right of appeal.
NHIF-funded repairs and maintenance
During the prescribed service life, certain repairs and maintenance services may be approved and funded, including major repairs and the replacement of tyres, bearings or batteries.
The type and frequency of funded repairs depend on the specific assistive device and the conditions in the NHIF specification.
How do you apply for a repair?
- The person or their authorised representative submits a repair application to the director of the relevant RHIF.
- The application may be submitted through the established procedure or sent by a licensed postal operator with acknowledgement of receipt.
- An RHIF expert committee reviews the application.
- The RHIF director issues a repair approval or a reasoned refusal.
- The approved repair is carried out by a supplier contracted by an RHIF for the relevant service.
The approved repair may be carried out by a contracted supplier anywhere in Bulgaria. The person identifies themselves to the selected supplier using the required personal details and approval information.
How can Angelo help?
Our team provides accurate, professional guidance on:
- The available types of assistive devices
- Their features and intended uses
- The NHIF application procedure
- Receiving the approved assistive device
- Repair and maintenance options
Explore our self-propelled wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and hospital beds. Funding eligibility depends on the prescribed assistive device and the approval issued by the NHIF.
ANGELO EOOD is an NHIF-contracted partner for the provision and repair of assistive devices for people throughout Bulgaria.
Frequently asked questions
Is a TELK decision always required?
No. Depending on the assistive device and the medical conditions, a protocol from an LKK specialising in the relevant condition may be sufficient. A TELK or NELK decision may be required for other devices.
How long does the application review take?
The review period stated by the NHIF is up to 7 days from receipt of the electronic application.
How long is the approval valid?
The right to obtain the prescribed assistive device must be exercised within six months of its determination in the medical document.
Can I choose the supplier myself?
Yes. You may choose a supplier that has a contract with an RHIF for the relevant assistive device. There is no territorial restriction, and you are not required to use a supplier located in the region of your permanent address.
Can someone else complete the procedure for me?
Yes. The application and collection may be completed by an authorised representative. The written authorisation does not need to be notarised for this procedure.
How will I know whether my application has been approved?
The NHIF or RHIF notifies the applicant using the contact details provided. Depending on the information supplied, notification may be made by telephone, SMS, Viber or email.
Can the NHIF fund a repair?
Yes, when the conditions for the specific assistive device are met and the repair is included in the specification. A separate repair application is submitted to the RHIF, and either an approval or a reasoned refusal is issued.
What do I need to provide to Angelo?
Contact our team and provide the approval details you have received. We will check the prescribed assistive device and explain the next steps.
Do you have questions?
Contact the Angelo team for a free consultation. We will explain the procedure and help you take the next step.