How will the new EOPYY funding model for mental health units work?
The funding mechanism for private-sector mental health facilities is transitioning to a direct payment system via the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY). Under a joint decision by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Health will transfer necessary credits to EOPYY, which will then pay providers directly. This change is designed to streamline the financial support for units involved in the deinstitutionalization process.
While the new contracts are set to be signed starting January 1, 2027, the practical implementation of the new reimbursement rates will not occur until April 2027. Until that transition is finalized, facilities will continue to be reimbursed based on the existing rates from August 2026 to ensure financial continuity during the settlement period.
Mandatory operational requirements for providers
To qualify for the new daily reimbursement rates, private providers must meet strict operational and administrative criteria. Facilities must hold valid establishment and operating licenses and maintain active contracts with EOPYY. Furthermore, they are required to be registered in the Registry of Mental Health Units for private law legal entities. A critical technical requirement is the mandatory interoperability with the Epidemiological Surveillance and Therapeutic Management Information System, alongside a unified intra-operational planning system to ensure data transparency and care coordination.
Who are the eligible beneficiaries of these protected living units?
The coverage extends to individuals who have received a formal decision from a local Transition Management Committee or a prosecutorial order for placement in a protected living unit. The scope of beneficiaries is broad, covering both insured and uninsured individuals, as well as those with limited financial means, provided they possess valid identification such as an AMKA, passport, or residency permit (including those for refugees or third-country nationals under subsidiary protection). It also includes beneficiaries from European agencies.
The target populations are categorized by their specific clinical and social needs:
- Adults with severe mental disorders: This includes those with significant psychosocial problems requiring neuropsychiatric care, individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's, and those with intellectual disabilities coupled with secondary mental disorders.
- Complex neurodevelopmental cases: Individuals with pervasive developmental disorders, such as those on the autism spectrum, or those with severe mental disorders accompanied by serious organic issues.
- High-care transitional cases: Patients experiencing acute phases of relapse who require short-term intensive monitoring, or those preparing for transition from hospital settings to community-based living.
- Youth and adolescents: Children and teenagers with severe mental or neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as those from highly disrupted family environments or those exhibiting delinquent/deviant behavior.
What are the new daily reimbursement rates for different facility types?
The new financial structure introduces highly differentiated daily rates (nosilia-trofeio) based on the specific type of facility and the complexity of the care provided. Hostels (Oikotrofeia) are categorized into eight distinct types to match patient profiles.
| Hostel Type | Patient Profile | Daily Rate (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Type A1 | Severe mental disorders or intellectual disabilities with secondary disorders | 107.00 |
| Type A2 | Adults over 65 requiring neuropsychiatric care | 98.00 |
| Type A3 | Organic psychosyndromes, Alzheimer's, and related disorders | 110.00 |
| Type A4 | Pervasive developmental disorders (Autism spectrum) | 110.00 |
| Type A5 | End-stage dementia | 75.00 |
| Type A6 | Severe mental disorders/intellectual disabilities with serious organic issues | 107.00 |
| Type A7 | Severe mental disorders with excitatory behavior (Short-term/Permanent) | 145.00 |
| Type A8 | Autism spectrum with excitatory behavior | 145.00 |
Guesthouses (Xenones) and protected apartments also follow a tiered pricing model. For Guesthouses, long-term adult stays and social reintegration programs are both set at €102 per day, while facilities specifically for children and adolescents receive €125 per day. Protected apartments are priced based on the level of autonomy required: €35 per day for those with mental or intellectual disabilities, and €100 per day for those with pervasive developmental disorders or autism.
How is the reimbursement affected by patient absence or hospitalization?
The continuity of reimbursement is strictly regulated based on the reason for a resident's absence from the unit. The rules distinguish between clinical necessity, planned social interaction, and individual choice to ensure the financial stability of the units while preventing the misuse of public funds.
Hospitalization and planned leave rules
If a beneficiary is absent due to hospitalization for up to 30 days, the facility receives the full daily rate. However, if the hospitalization exceeds 30 days, the position is legally considered vacant; in this instance, the reimbursement is reduced by 50% until a new beneficiary occupies the slot. Conversely, for planned absences—such as visits to relatives (up to 15 nights per month), vacations (up to 30 days per year), or other scheduled outings (2 to 5 days per month)—the position remains reserved, and the facility continues to receive the full daily rate.
In cases where an absence is due to personal reasons, an inability to integrate, or other unjustified reasons attributable to the patient, the position remains reserved, though the specific financial implications for extended unjustified absences are governed by the unit's internal contractual obligations regarding vacancy management.
Key takeaways
- New EOPYY direct funding for mental health units officially commences in April 2027.
- Reimbursement rates for hostels vary from €75 for end-stage dementia to €145 for excitatory behavior cases.
- Guesthouses for children and adolescents receive €125 per day, higher than adult rates.
- Hospitalizations exceeding 30 days trigger a 50% reduction in the daily reimbursement rate.
- Facilities must be interoperable with the national epidemiological surveillance system to receive payments.
FAQ: Protected living units for mental disorders
What is the main change in the new funding model?
The primary change is the transition to direct payments from EOPYY to private providers. Previously, the funding flow was less direct; now, the Ministry of Health transfers credits to EOPYY, which then handles the reimbursement of hostels, guesthouses, and protected apartments directly.
When will the new rates actually be applied?
Although new contracts are expected to be signed starting January 1, 2027, the new reimbursement rates will only be fully implemented in April 2027. Until then, facilities will be paid using the existing rates from August 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
How much are the daily rates for autism-related care?
Rates vary by facility type. In Type A4 hostels, the rate is €110. For Type A8 hostels (autism with excitatory behavior), it is €145. Protected apartments specifically for pervasive developmental disorders receive €100 per day.
Does the facility get paid if a patient is in the hospital?
Yes, if the patient is hospitalized for up to 30 days, the facility receives the full rate. If the stay exceeds 30 days, the rate drops to 50% of the original amount until the position is filled by a new resident.
Who is eligible for coverage in these units?
Eligible individuals include those with a decision from a Transition Management Committee or a prosecutorial order. This covers adults and children with severe mental, neurodevelopmental, or organic disorders, including both insured and uninsured persons with valid identification.
Conclusion
The upcoming reforms to the funding of protected living units represent a significant step in the formalization of mental health care in Greece. By introducing granular reimbursement rates that reflect the actual complexity of patient needs—ranging from €75 for end-stage dementia to €145 for high-intensity behavioral care—the system aims to provide more equitable support to private providers. While the transition period leading up to April 2027 is critical for maintaining stability, the shift toward direct EOPYY payments and mandatory digital interoperability suggests a move toward greater transparency and efficiency in the management of deinstitutionalization efforts.
