The retirees of the Social Security Organization are facing a new challenge in December 2025—not just typical issues, but a “healthcare inflation tsunami.” Official statistics from Iran's Statistical Center indicate that healthcare inflation has reached 48.2% by November 2025. This tripling of financial burdens drives retirees grappling with serious illnesses into bankruptcy.

The reality of medical expenses has shattered insurance coverage limits. Claims from insurers of covering 98% of drug costs hold little meaning when dealing with specific and serious illnesses, as the remaining 2% can amount to between 5 to 20 million tomans monthly based on the medication required.

Parviz Ahmad Pangi, a member of the Supreme Council of Social Security Retirees, stated that 70 to 80% of retirees who take loans from associations use them to cover medical expenses. Even basic medications like insulin can cost retirees 2 to 3 million tomans monthly. Retirees facing common ailments like knee surgery or colds are also under pressure. There have been cases where retirees had to sell their homes to finance their medical treatments. This pressure is truly unbearable.