Three of the four health funds had no deficit in 2007

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Three of the four health funds ended 2007 without a deficit, with even the largest one, Clalit Health Services, managing to reduce its 2006 deficit of NIS 74 million to just NIS 63 million in 2007. This was disclosed in a report being released Thursday that was prepared by the Health Ministry's branch that supervises the health funds, together with external accountant Tovah Hillman. Maccabi Health Services had NIS 8 million left over in 2007 compared to NIS 3 million the previous year, while Kupat Holim Meuhedet ended the year with NIS 10 million of unspent money compared to NIS 19 million. Kupat Holim Leumit excelled by moving from a NIS 76 million deficit in 2006 to having NIS 25 million in its coffers at the end of 2007. Altogether, the deficit of the health funds was NIS 31 million in 2007 compared to NIS 117 million in the previous year. The health funds spend NIS 27.9 billion on caring for Israelis' health in 2007, compared to NIS 27.2 billion the previous year. Covering hospitalization costs is the largest expense (42 percent), followed by health fund salaries (25%) and paying for medications (21%). These rates were similar in 2007 to those in 2006. Clalit, which has steadily lost "market share" during the past 15 years, insured 53.7% of residents in 2007 (compared to 54.1% in 2006). Maccabi insured 23.9% of residents in 2006 and 2007, Meuhedet covered 12.8% in 2007 (up from 12.1% in 2006), while Leumit insured 9.6% in 2007 (down from 9.9% in 2006). Clalit spent NIS 3,930 in 2007 on each member (compared to NIS 3,863 in 2006); Maccabi spent NIS 3,767 in 2007 (NIS 3,700), Meuhedet NIS 3,863 in 2007 (NIS 3,802) and Leumit NIS 3,837 in 2007 (NIS 3,880). The basket of health services cost NIS 25 billion in 2007.