The disability percentage is granted by the Primary Health Care Committee of the Disability Certification Center (K.E.P.A.), which falls under the Directorate of Disability and Occupational Medicine of the IKA-ETAM Administration, now known as EFKA. https://www.efka.gov.gr/el/menoy/kentro-pistopoieses-anaperias-kepa

2) What requests can I make through the new disability assessment and certification system of KE.P.A.?

• Initial application for assessment, which is submitted either when the citizen is being assessed for the first time or when the previous Disability Certification Result Notification (G.A.P.A.) has expired.
• Extension request, which can be submitted during the last four months of the validity of the Disability Certification Result Notification (G.A.P.A.) in order to receive a new G.A.P.A. certifying the disability.
• Appeal request, which can be submitted at any time within the validity period of the Disability Certification Result Notification (G.A.P.A.).
• Request for deterioration or addition of a new condition, which can be submitted initially after the lapse of six (6) months from the start of the validity of the current Disability Certification Result Notification (G.A.P.A.) and up to four (4) months before its expiration, unless hospitalization has occurred during the first six months of the G.A.P.A. validity.

For the process of appealing against the primary disability certification, citizens will continue to contact the K.E.P.A. (Disability Certification Centers) until this procedure is fully integrated into the new system.

3) Do all cancer patients receive a disability percentage above 67%?

The disability percentage is determined for each individual case based on the assessment committee's judgment, which takes into account and considers various parameters of each patient's case. The disability percentages corresponding to each case are outlined in the FEK Issue B’ 6282/29.12.2021 

4) Is the disability percentage permanent?

No. The disability certification specifies the duration as well. The duration can range from a few months to indefinite. Usually, according to the above Official Government Gazette (FEK), a specific percentage is given for the first two years of the illness, and then it is renewed for the next two years.

5) How is the application for Disability Assessment and Certification made?

The application is made through the National Disability Portal using TaxisNet credentials. https://epan.gov.gr/

More specifically, through the Portal, you can:

• submit a request for disability assessment and certification through the new digital services of the Disability Certification Center (e-KEPA).
• submit a request for the issuance of a Disability Card.
• you have access to your available data stored in the Digital Register of People with Disabilities.
• you can find information about the available benefits related to disability, as well as the eligibility criteria for these benefits.

6) How can I obtain the disability card?

You can either a) apply to karta.epan.gov.gr, in order to generate a relevant document, which you can either print, or (b) access through the application wallet.gov.gr, in order to have access to your card through your mobile phone.

7) I am traveling from my place of permanent residence to another city in order to undergo treatments. Am I entitled to reimbursement?

Patients with active health insurance coverage are entitled to the following: According to Article 56 of Government Gazette 2315/19-06-2018, they are eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses when they need to travel outside their place of residence in order to address a health issue that cannot be treated at a healthcare facility near their home.

8) I want to apply for a disability benefit (either the e-EFKA institutional care allowance or absolute disability allowance, or the OPEKA disability welfare benefit). What steps do I need to take?

As of 16/09/2022, in order to apply for a disability benefit, I must also submit the Disability Certification Result Notification (Γ.Α.Π.Α.) that I will receive after being examined by the Disability Certification Center (KEPA). If I submit the benefit application to e-EFKA or OPEKA within four (4) months from the date of issuance of the Γ.Α.Π.Α., the submission date of the disability benefit application is considered to be the date I originally applied for disability certification (paragraph 10, article 103 of Law 4961/2022). Therefore, I must first apply for disability certification, and then, within four months of receiving the Γ.Α.Π.Α., I must apply for the disability benefit.

9) What is the Personal Health Assistant?

The Personal Health Assistant concerns the support of individuals with disabilities by a Personal Assistant of their own choosing—or that of their legal representative (parent or legal guardian)—to enhance their independent living and inclusion in society. This support is based on each individual’s personal needs, life circumstances, choices, and interests, and may include assistance in the following areas: a) Daily living activities, such as eating, dressing, and personal hygiene b) Employment and education c) Participation in leisure activities d) Engagement in social life The pilot program is being implemented in two phases, with a total of 2,000 beneficiaries. Initially, 1,000 individuals from the Attica Region will be selected (Phase A), while in 2023, an additional 1,000 individuals from other regions of Greece will be included (Phase B). In 2024, the service is planned to be expanded nationwide, funded by the NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework).

10) Is radiotherapy in private clinics covered by EOPYY (National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision)?

According to the EOPYY General Document No. 19703/23-04-2012 (ADA: B4ΩΜΟΞ7Μ-6ΘΕ), as updated by document No. οικ. 7372/18.02.2013 (ADA: ΒΕΥ8ΟΞ7Μ-4Ξ5), insured individuals under EOPYY may choose private radiotherapy centers to receive their treatments. In such cases, patients are not required to pay any co-payment for the radiotherapy procedures themselves, but they are fully responsible for covering the physician’s fee. The only exception to this rule is stereotactic radiosurgery, where the physician’s fee is included in the reimbursement package provided by EOPYY to the radiotherapy provider (i.e., the private center). Therefore, private clinics performing stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy procedures must not request any additional payment from insured patients. For all other radiotherapy procedures (excluding stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy) performed in EOPYY-affiliated private clinics, the physician’s fee is not included in the reimbursement rate. In these cases, the insured individual must pay the fee directly to the treating radiation oncologist. This payment must be documented either with a receipt issued by the doctor or with an invoice issued by the clinic, stating only the amount of the fee and the name of the treating radiation oncologist to whom the payment is directed.

11) What is my co-payment percentage for electronic referral prescriptions for diagnostic tests?

The co-payment percentage is 15% of the reimbursement price. Beneficiaries with a certified disability of 80% or more, for any condition (from KEPAs or other Health Committees), are entitled to a 0% co-payment. Additionally, no co-payment is required for beneficiaries who undergo tests in public healthcare facilities, as well as for beneficiaries undergoing preventive or prenatal examinations according to Article 5 of the Unified Health Benefits Regulation (EKPY).

12) I am insured with EOPYY. Am I entitled to free diagnostic tests for the purpose of cancer prevention?

Yes. Specifically:

For the early detection of breast cancer, a mammogram is covered every two (2) years for women aged 40 to 50, and annually for women over 50 years old, or for women over 35 years old if they belong to a high-risk group. In the latter case, a referral from a specialist doctor is required.

For the early detection of breast cancer, a mammogram is covered every two (2) years for women aged 40 to 50, and annually for women over 50 years old, or for women over 35 years old if they belong to a high-risk group. In the latter case, a referral from a specialist doctor is required.

For the early detection of prostate cancer, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is covered every two (2) years for men over the age of 50, and annually for men aged over 60 and up to 80 years old.

For the early detection of colorectal cancer, a microscopic fecal occult blood test is covered every two (2) years for men and women aged 50 to 70. A colonoscopy is covered every five (5) years for men and women aged 50 and older, or annually for men and women aged 40 and older if they belong to a high-risk group. In the latter case, a referral from a specialist doctor is required.

13) Where can I get information about the benefits provided by the National Organization for Health Care Services (EOPYY)?

All reimbursements and coverage provided by EOPYY are defined through the Unified Health Benefits Regulation (E.K.P.Y). For more information, you can refer to the following link: https://www.eopyy.gov.gr/law/details/496fe7d2-e19a-4216-8adf-6ec7816c8c95

14) If I wish to obtain additional information about EOPYY or if I want to file complaints and grievances regarding healthcare providers of the Organization, where should I turn to?

I should contact the Central Service of EOPYY, Kifisias 39, Postal Code 151-23,

Marousi, fax: 210 6871789.

15) What is cross-border healthcare and cross-border prescription?

Healthcare service that is provided or prescribed in an EU member state other than the member state of insurance. Cross border prescription is a prescription for medication or medical device, issued by a professional legally recognized in the healthcare sector and authorized for this purpose in an EU/EEA member state, and is filled in a different EU/EEA member state.

 16) Am I entitled to seek planned cross-border healthcare abroad?

When you are entitled to healthcare under the social security system of an EU/EEA country, you have the right to seek healthcare in any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland, which is also referred to as planned healthcare abroad, with the cost being covered by your country of affiliation. Healthcare is considered planned when it is the main reason for your trip abroad or when it is intentionally combined with a vacation, provided that the healthcare could be received before or delayed until after the vacation.

17) Do I have to pay for the healthcare abroad myself, or will the Greek health insurance provider cover the cost directly?

Whether the cost of healthcare will be directly covered by the Greek health insurance provider or if you will need to pay all expenses upfront and request reimbursement later depends on whether you received care abroad using the European S2 form (based on the Social Security Regulations (EC) 883/2004 and 987/2009) or if you received care under Directive 2011/24/EU, for example, if you were treated by a private healthcare provider. For more information about cross-border healthcare, you can refer to this link. https://eu-healthcare.eopyy.gov.gr/

and you can submit your request in ncp_gr@eoppy.gov.gr or call 2108110935/6

18) Are there organizations/agencies both in Attica and the rest of Greece that provide free psychological support to cancer patients?

Yes. In large urban centers as well as in other areas of the countryside, there are patient associations and non-profit organizations that provide psychological support both on an individual and group level. Additionally, some organizations have developed practices that offer remote psychological support. If you need more information, you can call the office of ELLOK at 210 7710335.

19) I am a caregiver-relative of a cancer patient. I feel that I need psychological support. Where can I turn to?

You can reach out to cancer patient associations across Greece, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and NGOs that support oncology patients. Most organizations develop programs that not only support the patient but also address the needs of their family members. For more information, you can call the office of ELLOK at 210 7710335.

20) If my physical condition prevents me from moving, can I receive home healthcare services?

There are certain organizations, mainly in Attica, that provide home healthcare services with specific requirements and conditions for enrollment. If you would like more information, please call the ELLOK office at 2107710335.

21) What is palliative care and who is it intended for?

_ _ The goal of palliative care is to prevent and alleviate the physical and psychological suffering caused by a life-threatening illness, such as cancer, neurological diseases, chronic heart and respiratory failure, kidney diseases, HIV infection, etc., as well as to provide comprehensive care to patients, addressing all the factors that cause them difficulties. Palliative care does not replace the treatment the patient is receiving, but is provided complementarily to it.

22) Where can I receive palliative care?

 Palliative care services are provided in Palliative Care Patient Structures (P.C.P.S.). P.C.P.S. are public or private healthcare units that operate in the field of providing palliative care services for the holistic and interdisciplinary coverage of the needs of patients facing life-threatening or chronic progressive illnesses, as well as for supporting their families.In particular P.C.P.S. are separated into the following categories:

• Home palliative care service units for outpatient patients, which operate at the primary healthcare level.
• Special outpatient clinics or Day Centers for Palliative Care (D.C.P.C.), which operate at the primary healthcare level.
•  Palliative Care Patient Hostels (P.C.P.H.), which are considered secondary healthcare providers.
• Palliative Care Units (P.C.U.), operating within hospitals or private clinics, which are considered secondary or tertiary healthcare providers.

23) I have undergone a Bone Marrow Transplant. Am I entitled to any financial assistance from the government?

Patients who have undergone a Bone Marrow Transplant are entitled to a nutritional allowance. To receive this allowance, patients do not need disability certification. Eligible recipients include direct and indirect insured individuals, uninsured individuals, and pensioners from social security organizations. A necessary condition is that they do not receive a nutritional allowance from another domestic or foreign entity.

The responsible organization for providing the allowance is OPEKA. You can find more information here. ..

24) I have been diagnosed with cancer and have received disability certification, but I am unemployed. Is there any special support for finding employment?

The Public Employment Service (DYPA) provides specialized services for unemployed individuals who belong to Special and Vulnerable Social Groups, such as People with Disabilities (PWD).

Unemployed individuals who belong to Vulnerable Social Groups are provided with Counseling Services such as:
• Information and specialized guidance on issues related to training, employment, and entrepreneurship.
• Personalized support aimed at integration into the labor market and achieving social and economic independence.

A prerequisite for registration in the special unemployment registry for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) is possessing a valid Disability Certification from the Disability Certification Center (KE.P.A.). The KE.P.A. certification must state a disability rate of at least 50% and include an assessment of the individual's ability to work (certifications from the Primary Health Committee of IKA are also accepted).

For more information, you can visit the website of DYPA.

25) I need legal support for a court case. What is provided if I have a Disability Certification?

Citizens with a disability of 67% or more are entitled to free legal and advisory assistance for court cases, regardless of income, according to the provisions of Law 5023/2023. Legal aid is provided upon application by the beneficiary to the Court of First Instance (Πρωτοδικείο). The application must briefly state: a)The subject of the trial or legal action, and b) The evidence proving that the eligibility criteria for receiving legal aid are met (e.g., disability certification).

More information: https://www.odigostoupoliti.eu/nomos-5023-2023-dikaiomata-ton-atomon-me-anapiria-amea/

26) I am a cancer patient and I need to fulfill my military service. Am I entitled to an exemption?

According to Law 3421/2005 (Government Gazette 302, Vol. A), cancer patients are exempt from mandatory military service. To obtain this exemption, they must submit documentation regarding their diagnosis from a public hospital to the relevant military recruitment office.

Additionally, soldiers who have relatives (child, spouse, parent, or sibling) with a disability of over 67% fall under the special category for exemption from military transfer.

Find more information in the Hellenic Army General Staff website.

27) I am a cancer patient and have a disability certificate. Am I entitled to a parking space?

In cases where walking is impaired due to the nature of the disability, in cases of complete paralysis of the upper or lower limbs or bilateral amputation of these, in cases of severe mobility disability of one or both lower limbs with a disability percentage greater than 67%, and in cases of severe mobility disability of one or both lower limbs with involvement of the upper limbs and a total disability percentage greater than 67%, of which at least 40% results from one lower limb, the possibility of an accessible parking space for persons with disabilities (PWD) is provided.

Interested individuals must submit a relevant application to the Municipality of their permanent residence. The Traffic Department of the Technical Services examines the required documentation and, following an on-site inspection by a competent official, recommends to the Quality of Life Committee the approval of the parking space.

The possibility of an accessible (disabled) parking space is also provided in cases of disability due to other reasons.

.. ..

28) I am a parent of a child with cancer. Am I entitled to leave from my job?

For working parents of children up to 18 years old who are suffering from a neoplastic disease, a special parental leave of ten (10) working days per year with pay is granted to address the needs of their children.
The leave applies to biological, adoptive, and foster parents, as well as presumed mothers under Article 1464 of the Civil Code who have a child through the process of surrogacy.

You can find more information about your labor rights in the website here.

29) I am a cancer patient. Am I entitled to additional days off from work?

Patients with a disability rating of at least 50%, who fall under the provisions of Article 1, paragraph 1, section b, subparagraph a of Law 2643/98, are entitled to six (6) additional working days of leave per year beyond their regular annual leave.

The annual paid leave of employees, as provided by current regulations, is increased by six (6) working days for persons with disabilities who are permanent employees of the public sector, local authorities (O.T.A.), and other legal entities under public law (N.P.D.D.), provided that they also meet the substantive conditions of Article 1 of Law 2643/1998. This increase is independent of the method and time of hiring. ..