Overview of Mali's Social Security System
Mali has a developing social security system primarily managed by the National Social Security Institute (INPS) established in 1961. This system covers formal sector workers and provides various social benefits funded through employer and employee contributions.
National Social Security Institute (INPS)
Organization and missions
INPS is the central social security organization in Mali, governed by Law No. 96-020 of February 21, 1996 establishing INPS status. Its main missions include:
- Management of family allowances
- Daily sickness benefits
- Work accidents and occupational diseases
- Retirement pensions
- Survivor benefits
Coverage scope
The INPS scheme mandatorily covers:
- Private sector employees
- Non-civil servant public sector agents
- Public enterprise workers
- Domestic workers (specific conditions to be verified)
Social Contributions
Contribution rates
Social contributions in Mali are shared between employer and employee according to the following rates:
- Family allowances: 6% (entirely employer-funded)
- Occupational risks: 1% to 5% depending on sector (employer only)
- Old-age pensions: 7.2% (3.6% employer + 3.6% employee)
- Invalidity-death: 2.4% (1.2% employer + 1.2% employee)
Contribution base
Contributions are calculated on monthly remuneration capped at 200,000 XOF (amount to be verified for recent updates).
Mandatory Health Insurance (AMO)
Implementation and legal framework
AMO was established by Law No. 2009-015 of June 26, 2009 creating Mandatory Health Insurance. This major reform aims to improve healthcare access for Malian workers.
Managing organizations
AMO is managed by two main organizations:
- CANAM (National Health Insurance Fund): for civil servants and state agents
- INPS: for private sector workers
AMO contribution rate
The AMO contribution rate is set at:
- Private sector (INPS): 3.5% of salary (1.75% employer + 1.75% employee)
- Civil service (CANAM): 3.5% of salary
Social Security Benefits
Family allowances
Family benefits include:
- Family allowances: 1,500 XOF per child under 21 (amount to be verified)
- Maternity allowance: paid for 14 weeks
- Prenatal allowance: for pregnancy medical follow-up
Daily allowances
In case of illness or accident, workers may receive daily allowances:
- Duration: maximum 6 months per 12 consecutive months
- Amount: 50% of average daily salary
- Waiting period: 3 days
Retirement pensions
Old-age pension eligibility conditions are:
- Legal age: 60 years (to be verified according to recent reforms)
- Minimum contribution period: 15 years
- Pension rate: calculated according to a formula considering average salary and contribution period
Health Coverage and Healthcare
AMO benefits
AMO covers the following services:
- Medical consultations
- Laboratory tests and medical imaging
- Medications on the essential medicines list
- Hospitalizations
- Basic dental care
- Medical evacuations (under conditions)
Coverage rates
Reimbursement rates vary by type of care:
- Outpatient care: 70% to 80% (to be verified)
- Hospitalization: 80% to 90% (to be verified)
- Medications: according to classification (essential, vital, etc.)
Special and Complementary Schemes
Civil servants' scheme
Malian civil servants benefit from a special scheme managed by:
- CRM (Mali Pension Fund): for pensions
- CANAM: for health insurance
Private complementary insurance
The Malian market has several insurance companies offering complementary coverage:
- ALLIANZ Mali
- SONAR (National Insurance and Reinsurance Company)
- COLINA Mali (to be verified)
Challenges and Perspectives
Current system limitations
Mali's social security system faces several challenges:
- Limited coverage: approximately 10% of active population (estimate to be verified)
- Informal sector: majority of workers not covered
- Insufficient financing
- Limited health infrastructure
Ongoing reforms
The Malian government is working on several improvement areas:
- Progressive extension of social coverage
- Digitalization of services
- Improved governance of social organizations
- Development of public-private partnerships
Practical Procedures
Registration and affiliation
Employers must:
- Register with INPS within 30 days of starting operations
- Declare all employees
- Pay monthly contributions before the 15th of the following month
Claims and appeals
In case of disputes, insured persons can:
- Appeal to INPS gracious appeal commission
- Take the matter to competent courts
- Contact the Ombudsman (Republic's Mediator)