חדש באתר: עוזר בינה מלאכותית המבוסס על כתביו ושיעוריו של הרב מיכאל אברהם

Q&A: Using Someone Else’s Eligibility

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Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.

Using Someone Else’s Eligibility

Question

I work as an optometrist in an optical store that operates in cooperation with the health funds.
In general, once a year a member of the health fund becomes eligible to purchase a pair of glasses at a reduced price with subsidy from the fund (the customer pays a small amount and the health fund transfers a sum of money to the store for each use of the eligibility). Is it permitted to use one family member’s eligibility for the sake of another family member? (For example: one child used his eligibility and his glasses broke, while his brother has no glasses at all—may the health fund card be used for the brother who needs them?) This happens at fairly high rates and in various forms, because it is worthwhile both for the customer and for the store, since the store receives money from the health fund. Another thing that happens is fictitiously recording high prescription numbers for a customer whose actual prescription is low, in order to get a larger amount of money from the health fund for the store (this happens too, but on a smaller scale).
From what I understand, those responsible for oversight on behalf of the health funds know about this but turn a blind eye… does that make a difference? After all, this is public money.
Another question: is it permitted for me to work there even if I do not do these tricks myself? In principle I only do eye exams; I am not very involved in the sales.

Answer

It is obviously forbidden. And if the inspectors are turning a blind eye, they are failing in their duty. You may work there, unless you are actually taking part in the fraud. The only question is whether you must warn the store owners and report it to the health fund. Seemingly you are obligated to do so, although I understand that it is very hard to stand up to this and that you would probably be fired.

Discussion on Answer

Oren (2025-07-06)

Why not warn them and report it anonymously?

Michi (2025-07-06)

If that’s possible, then definitely.

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