The blocking of the e-card affects those insured in Austria or who were insured last year but who do not have a photo in the files of the passport or driving license authorities or the Aliens Register for issuing an e-card with a photo by the end of the year. Children under 14 are exempt from the photo requirement on the e-card, and people aged 70 and over or in care levels four to seven are also not at risk of being blocked.
You can still claim benefits
According to the Ministry of Health, it will still be possible to claim benefits without any problems after January 15. Insured persons whose cards have been “blocked” will be informed personally when they visit a doctor or contact the social insurance company. This means that if affected persons go to the doctor after January 15, they will be informed that they must register a photo within 150 days.
Bernhard Wurzer, Director General of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), explained in response to questions from journalists at a press conference that only a very small group of insured persons would be affected. Their insurance status would remain unchanged, he emphasized. Those affected would be informed, and if they went to the doctor, it was also guaranteed that they could submit a photo within the deadline.
source: oe24.at/picture: gesundheitskasse.at
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