On January 1, amendments to the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers entered into force, which provide for an increase in the amount of support for children with celiac disease from 106.72 to 160 euros.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and even in small amounts it causes the patient’s immune system to attack his own body. As a result, the villi of the mucous membrane of the small intestine are damaged and thus the absorption of nutrients in the body is disturbed.
The Ministry of Welfare (MOW) states that currently celiac disease is not a curable disease, however, early diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet reduce the risk of future complications and mortality, as well as improve the quality of life of patients. Therefore, the only way to treat celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. Thus, children diagnosed with celiac disease are considered to be chronically ill patients who need regular consultations with a pediatric gastroenterologist and a nutritionist.
To support families whose children have been diagnosed with celiac disease, the state provides support for the purchase of special food. The provision of support continues even after reaching the age of majority, if the person is studying in a general education or professional education institution and is not older than 20 years or is studying at a university full-time in person and is not older than 24 years.
According to the statistical data of the State Social Insurance Agency, in the first half of 2023, celiac disease support was paid for an average of 518 children per month.
Since it is necessary to make changes in the information systems for the revision of the amount of support, the amendments provide that in January and February 2024, the State Social Insurance Agency will pay the support in the previous amount, or 106.72 euros per month. On the other hand, in the month of March, the beneficiaries will receive support in the new amount for the month of March and the difference between the support amounts for January and February.
In the following months of the year, the bonus will be paid in the amount of 160 euros.
Source: LETA
2024-01-02 14:39:31
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