KRUS to undergo long overdue reforms to stop abuse and raise contributions

The government has accepted a bill proposed by the Agriculture Ministry concerning limiting access to the Farmers Social Insurance Administration (KRUS) by people who run both farms and private businesses. Many, instead of paying their contributions to the Social Insurance Administration (ZUS), join KRUS where the contribution rate is much lower as the government finances 90% of farmers' insurance payments. According to the present regulation, it is enough to purchase a one hectare farm and cultivate it for a year to enter the KRUS system, which meant that there has even been cases where sailors and taxi-drivers were covered by KRUS. "This is a pathology," said KRUS spokeswoman Maria Lewandowska. The new law will allow only those farmers to be covered by KRUS who have been working their land for three years, or run a small business, provided the business does not constitute their main income. The Ministry believes KRUS contributions will double as a result of this reform. (www.onet.pl) K.Z.