Separate investigations into use of green cards have in past years revealed that millions of people illegally profited from the system. Procedures that enable people to benefit from green cards have become relatively simpler following the recent implementation of new regulations. An alternative health insurance system that ensures free medical coverage for Turkish citizens residing in Turkey who have no social security and earn less than one-third of the minimum wage, the green card was introduced by the Süleyman Demirel-led government in 1992.

The latest regulations to eliminate the differences in social security benefits allow green card holders to go to a hospital of their choice as well as to make use of private hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units free of charge, just as individuals covered by SGK. According to Health Ministry data, 9.5 million people hold a green card, with the most widespread use is in most eastern and southeastern provinces. The ministries of labor and social security often complained about frequent abuses with respect to the issuance of green cards. It is expected that the green card practice will have an entirely different dimension following SGK reforms, offering a relatively more “fair” system.

Revealing the details of the anticipated reforms, SGK Manager Emin Zararsız told reporters Saturday in Ankara that SGK will define the people who are really in need and suspend the green cards of those who can afford to pay social security premiums. One method will be to analyze bank credit card bills of green card users.

The government expects all Turkish citizens to be covered under the state’s social security umbrella following the recent introduction of the General Health Insurance (GSS) system. The transition to GSS is expected be finalized by the end of this year. Noting that they have presented a draft of the expected reform to the government, Zararsız said the government would abolish the green card system once the GSS, under which everyone will be able to benefit from health insurance, is fully functional.

Recalling that the number of green card users has dropped to 9 million from the earlier 16 million following investigations, Zararsız said the new wave of investigations could bring this number down further. In the current system the card is immediately cancelled and the individual has to start the application process all over again if they lose their job. With the anticipated reform, if a green card holder becomes a recipient of benefits via the SGK, for instance by finding a job, their green card will be suspended; but if that person loses their job the card can automatically become effective again