Kazakhstan uncovers mass overcharging in national health insurance scheme

Authorities in Kazakhstan have uncovered widespread cases of double payment for medical services. Investigations revealed over 700 instances of overcharging in Karaganda alone. The fraud affected patients under the mandatory social health insurance system (OSMS). Prosecutors in Karaganda identified 775 cases of overcharging between 2020 and 2023. The total amount involved reached 22 million tenge. Women in the region were incorrectly billed for abortion procedures, despite these being fully covered by OSMS.

Similar fraudulent billing was also detected in Almaty, Turkestan, and Pavlodar regions. In Karaganda’s Malikhan Bekeykhan District, refunds for overcharged services are still being processed. So far, 218 women have received reimbursements totalling 7 million tenge. The investigations confirmed systematic billing errors across multiple regions. Refunds are ongoing for affected patients. Authorities continue to review cases to ensure full compliance with OSMS coverage rules.