Health Fund Subsidizes Extracurricular Activities for Children in Kiryat Ekron

Clalit Health Services is offering a subsidy of up to 125 shekels for extracurricular activities for its insured members' children in Kiryat Ekron. The benefit, which was advertised ahead of the upcoming school year (Tashfaz), is available to children up to the sixth grade.

The subsidized activities include a wide range of options such as English classes, drama, theater, drawing and illustration, darbuka, soccer, robotics, and Krav Maga. This unusual funding for non-medical activities has raised questions regarding the source of the funds and how it aligns with Clalit's mandate.

Health funds are legally obligated to provide their members with a basket of healthcare services, encompassing medical, diagnostic, rehabilitative, and preventive services of a health-related nature. The subsidy for activities that are not medical in nature prompts inquiries into the legality and appropriateness of this expenditure.

A representative for Clalit stated, "Clalit operates in accordance with the law, Ministry of Health directives, and applicable ethical and regulatory rules. The matter has been brought to our attention, and upon receiving the inquiry, an investigation has immediately commenced to clarify the facts."