Morocco Approves Landmark Reform to Compulsory Health Insurance in 2025
On July 8, 2025, the Moroccan Parliament approved a pivotal amendment to the law governing Compulsory Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie Obligatoire – AMO). This reform introduces sweeping structural changes in the management of health insurance schemes, expands beneficiary coverage, and clarifies eligibility rules. The move is part of Morocco’s broader effort to accelerate its journey toward universal health coverage and create a more efficient, inclusive healthcare system.
Key Goals of the Compulsory Health Insurance Reform
The revised legislation aligns with Morocco’s national strategy for social protection and health equity. Its primary objectives include:
Centralizing AMO scheme management under one institution
Eliminating outdated and redundant insurance programs
Expanding eligibility criteria to cover more dependents
Improving access to coverage for low-income and non-working individuals
These reforms aim to simplify the system and extend health coverage to a broader portion of the population, especially vulnerable groups.
Unified Administration of Compulsory Health Insurance Under CNSS
A major component of the reform is the integration of all AMO schemes under the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). Previously, AMO coverage was administered by multiple bodies depending on the category of the insured—leading to inefficiencies, administrative overlaps, and inconsistent service delivery.
With this change, all categories of insured individuals—including salaried employees, the self-employed, and other eligible groups—will now be managed under a single system: the CNSS. This consolidation is expected to enhance administrative coordination, simplify benefit processing, and improve access to health services.
Elimination of Standalone Student Insurance Scheme
Another major amendment under the Compulsory Health Insurance law is the abolition of the independent student health insurance regime. Historically, students were covered under a separate system, which often faced challenges related to access, enrollment delays, and discontinuity.
By integrating students into the national AMO structure, the reform ensures:
Greater continuity of healthcare access
Consistent coverage levels
Simplified administrative procedures through CNSS
This change reduces fragmentation in the health system and provides students with equal access to services enjoyed by other insured populations.
Extension of Age Limit for Dependent Coverage Under Compulsory Health Insurance
In response to the evolving social and economic realities facing young Moroccans, the reform raises the age limit for dependent children from 26 to 30 years under their parents’ AMO coverage.
This adjustment is vital in a context where many young adults remain financially dependent due to prolonged education or difficulty entering the labor market. The new provision ensures continued health coverage during this transitional period of life, reducing gaps in healthcare access for young people.
Enhanced Access to AMO Tadamon for the Uninsured
The amendment also clarifies eligibility for the AMO Tadamon scheme, a solidarity-based program for individuals without regular income or formal employment. In the past, unclear procedures and vague criteria often led to delays or denial of coverage for eligible individuals.
The revised law:
Establishes clear eligibility criteria
Simplifies enrollment processes
Encourages inclusion of informal sector workers and economically vulnerable populations
This marks a step toward more inclusive Compulsory Health Insurance and aligns with Morocco’s ambition to protect all citizens regardless of employment status.
System-Wide Impact on Morocco’s Healthcare Reform
These legislative reforms support Morocco’s national health reform strategy focused on:
Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Increasing administrative efficiency
Leveraging digital tools to enhance service delivery
Expanding coverage to underserved areas and rural communities
By reinforcing the Compulsory Health Insurance framework, the government is bridging the gap between policy and practice—bringing more Moroccans into the healthcare safety net.
Challenges in Implementing Compulsory Health Insurance Reform
While the reforms are ambitious and promising, their success depends on effective implementation. Key areas of focus must include:
Ensuring a smooth administrative transition to the CNSS
Running nationwide awareness campaigns to inform citizens about new rights and procedures
Investing in digital infrastructure to support broader enrollment and data management
Allocating resources equitably across urban and rural health facilities
In addition, stakeholder engagement—including employers, healthcare providers, trade unions, and civil society—will be essential to address concerns about cost, quality, and sustainability.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Universal Coverage
The July 2025 amendment to Morocco’s Compulsory Health Insurance law marks a critical step toward equitable, efficient, and universal healthcare access. Centralizing administration under CNSS, eliminating fragmented schemes like student coverage, raising the dependent age limit, and expanding AMO Tadamon are transformative measures in Morocco’s social protection landscape.
With proper implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration, Morocco is poised to advance toward a resilient and inclusive healthcare system that leaves no citizen behind.
