Prepaid Medicine Fees Set to Rise Between 21% and 28% in February
After the significant January increases in prepaid medicine fees announced by companies such as Swiss Medical, Omint, Medicus, and OSDE, it is now estimated that fees will rise between 21% and 28% in February. This information comes from the Argentine Health Union (UAS), which is monitoring the ongoing situation in the private healthcare sector closely.
OSDE, for example, has confirmed to its affiliates that the increase for next month will be 28%. This comes in addition to the possibility of different providers charging co-payments. For instance, the Biochemical Federation of the Province of Buenos Aires (FABA) indicated that biochemists will begin to charge an additional compensatory bonus to prepaid members who have not updated their tariffs with the sector, affecting 1 million Buenos Aires residents.
The president of FABA, Claudio Cova, has cited substantial increases in salaries of healthcare workers, inputs, rents, and the interannual CPI, underscoring the financial strain faced by the providers.
In the midst of these fee hikes, federal judge Martina Isabel Forns issued a precautionary measure against the increase of the Italian Benevolent Society in Buenos Aires in response to a retiree’s appeal for protection against the rise in fees.
The risk of a lack of necessary medical coverage and the financial burden placed on pensioners have also been highlighted by the judge, setting a precedent for similar cases.
Amid the uncertainty and the possible loss of members due to the fee increases, Boreal Salud, with over 250,000 members in the country, has opted to update its fees based on the Average Taxable Remuneration of Stable Workers (RIPTE).
However, the situation remains complex, with concerns raised over the potential saturation of the public health system due to an exodus of prepaid medicine affiliates and the impact on the employment situation of thousands of health professionals.
One of the providers, Mario Koltan, president of Boreal Salud, expressed concern about the increasing prices and highlighted the need to ensure that quality health services continue to be provided. Koltan also addressed the rising costs of medications and prostheses, which have increased significantly, further straining the healthcare system.
As the private healthcare sector in Argentina braces for significant fee increases in February, the impact on both providers and members continues to be a source of concern for all involved.