The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) changes the Transparency Regulation for healthcare procurement process and the Contracting Guidelines used by healthcare providers and insurers during the contracting process. The changes follow an extensive evaluation with involved parties, showing that the Regulation and Guidelines are positively received and add value in practice. The changes take effect on March 1, 2026, and apply to contracts concluded for 2027 and subsequent years.
Smooth and transparent process
The contracting process requires effort from both healthcare providers and insurers. Both documents receive a new name: Transparency Regulation healthcare contracting and the Contracting Guidelines. This emphasizes that it is a joint process. The documents support a smooth and transparent contracting process and can promote constructive agreements. These agreements contribute not only to accessible and affordable care for insured persons. Insured persons also gain insight into the contracted offerings when choosing a health insurance.
Increasing transparency
With these adjustments, we take a step towards a more transparent and future-proof contracting process. Two changes are legally established in the Regulation. For example, a maximum response time of six weeks now applies for health insurers regarding offers. This better balances the obligations of health insurers and healthcare providers. Health insurers must also be transparent about how their purchasing policy contributes to their social task, ensuring accessible, quality, and affordable care for all their insured. Additionally, we introduce a new guideline. Health insurers must indicate on which points a new contract offer differs from the previous one. This increases transparency and makes it clear to healthcare providers what changes.
Supervision contracting process
In the Netherlands, residents can choose a health insurance each year that fits their personal situation. Health insurers have a duty of care towards their insured. The contracting process between health insurers and healthcare providers is an important instrument to fulfill this. The NZa supervises this process and the proper functioning of the health insurance market.