Public Health Minister Daniel Rivera says that free PCR testing will continue to be available “to all who need this” at the hospitals that are part of the public hospital system. As of 23 April 2021, the Ministry of Public Health announced those covered by health plans (affiliated to ARSs) are only authorized to get one PCR test a year without cost. Furthermore, to get the free PCR test, the patient must first show the results of an antigen test that costs around RD$2,000 in a private lab.
Dr. Rivera says the decision seeks to enable offering greater coverage to all those who require the test without discrimination and regardless of whether the person has insurance or not. He said the only requirement is to go to a public hospital and request it.
In a press release, the Public Health Minister states: “As we decided to increase the PCR and antigen tests in the public hospital network to detect the coronavirus, what we did was to regulate them in the private sector with the understanding that the ARS could have substantial losses. The tests are now available for free at the Dr. Defilló state lab and when ordered by public hospital staff.
Diario Libre reports the government owes the ARS providers RD$4.84 billion for the PCR tests.
The Dominican Medical Association (CMD) is legally contesting the Ministry of Public Health for restricting the PCR test to one test a year for those affiliated to health plans (ARS). The restriction is in Sisalril Resolution 00237-2021 dated 16 April and applicable as of 23 April 2021. The CMD presented a recourse to the National Council of Social Security (CNSS).
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Listin Diario
27 April 2021