Khaberni - In the corners of the nation stretching from Amman to Al-Karak, their stories intersect in their fine details despite the diversity of features and dialects. They are the retirees, those who have spent their lives in education, service, and construction, and now they sit on old wooden benches in hospital corridors, waiting for medicine, a report, an exception... or a glimpse of dignity.
A story that starts in the clinic... and never ends
Hajj Abu Mohammed, who retired ten years ago, stands leaning on his cane in a crowded queue in front of a pharmacy at a government hospital in the capital. In his hand, he holds a prescription for chronic diseases, and in his heart, a long patience. After hours of waiting, he was told that his medical report had "expired." He must start the procedures anew. Abu Mohammed leaves exhausted, carrying nothing but the old prescription, and a hope that keeps eroding.
Like Abu Mohammed, tens of thousands of retirees in Jordan find themselves facing harsh bureaucracy and a complex medical exemption system that does not consider their health or psychological conditions and does not reflect the extent of their sacrifices in serving the state.
The number speaks... but it does not heal
Statistics from the Social Security Corporation indicate that in 2024, the number of retirees reached more than 341,000, with 88% not covered by any effective health insurance. The average retirement pension does not exceed 488 dinars, while the cost of treating a chronic disease reaches 1,200 dinars annually.
More than half of these retirees rely on temporary medical exemptions, which are increasingly difficult to obtain, and 30% of them are rejected or delayed. Some are forced to reduce drug dosages, borrow money, or rely on their children to afford treatment costs, affecting the entire family psychologically and socially.
A postponed project... will it return?
In 2021, the Social Security Corporation, led by Dr. Hazem Al Rahahleh, launched a comprehensive health insurance project targeting retirees and uninsured workers. Coverage of 100% in private sector hospitals, cancer treatment at Al Hussein Center, and a 3% income subscription rate.
Actuarial studies were completed, and agreements were made with relevant parties, but the project was halted in 2022. The investigative team attempted to contact Dr. Al Rahahleh repeatedly for a comment, but he did not respond despite our attempts through his office and various means of communication.
Expert's view: Can social security apply insurance?
Rights advocate and expert in social insurance Musa Al Subeihi says: "Yes, sustainable social health insurance can be implemented through social security, but on the condition that the government be a strategic partner, fair deduction rates are established, the insurance fund is managed independently from other insurances, and a financial reserve for sudden fluctuations is available."
He adds that inclusivity, fairness, and quality of care are essential, and there is a real opportunity to launch the project within five years if the will and partnership are available.
Society has its say
A poll conducted by the Jordanian Association for Social Security in March 2025 showed that 85% of citizens consider health insurance for retirees a fundamental right, and 78% support the imposition of a symbolic tax to fund it.
Initiatives pulse from the margins
In Irbid, a charitable association launched the "Your Health, Your Responsibility" initiative in 2023, providing symbolic health coverage for 15 dinars per month. The result? A 60% reduction in reliance on exemptions, provision of medications and periodic exams, and an improvement in the quality of life for beneficiaries.
Voices behind the numbers
Um Mohammed (62 years old): "I paid subscriptions for 28 years, and today I have to give up my medicine to provide for my children."
Abu Khaled (67 years old): "I'm waiting for heart surgery, but the paperwork is slower than the heart."
Fatima (70 years old): "I bought medicine with debt, so as not to embarrass my unemployed son."
Lessons from the neighborhood... and adaptable models
In Morocco: Coverage of 70% of retirees, with joint funding from the state, private funds, and solidarity tax.
In Tunisia: Coverage of 85% through a national fund financed by subscriptions.
In Egypt: A gradual plan until 2030 to cover the elderly, funded by taxes and fees on certain services.
These experiences show that partnership and diverse financing are the keys to success.
The proposed roadmap
2026: Include the elderly and chronic patients - estimated cost 50 million dinars
2027-2028: Optional subsidized subscription - cost 30 million dinars
2030: Gradual mandatory implementation - cost 90–130 million dinars
With independent supervision and the issuance of periodic reports for oversight and transparency.
In the corridors of the nation... the wait goes on
This investigation is just a reminder that those who built this country deserve to live their old age with dignity.
In a country whose constitution writes "old age under the care of the state," treatment must not remain a dream, and medicine a privilege, and health a luxury.
We don't ask for praise of the past, but care for the present. We don't ask for charity, but partnership in humanity. Health insurance is not a political luxury, but a real test of the equation of dignity.
Until the appointed time, the Jordanian retiree will remain seated on a wooden bench in the corridors of the nation... in a cold wait, warmed only by hope.
Sources:
Social Security Corporation – 2024 Statistics
Ministry of Health of Jordan – Health Coverage Reports
The World Bank – Social Protection in Jordan (2021–2024)
Yarmouk University – Actuarial Study 2024
Field Interviews – Amman, Zarqa, Irbid
Health Insurance File Monitoring (2021–2025)
Your Health, Your Responsibility Initiative – Irbid
Jordanian Association for Social Security – March 2025 Poll
Experiences of Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt – Ministries of Health
Special statement from rights advocate Musa Al Subeihi – Social Insurance Expert
