The National Council of Social Security (CNSS) met for a talk between parties representing the Dominican Medical Association (CMD), Ministry of Public Health and ARS health providers on 16 November 2022. The CMD was represented by Dr. Mery Hernández.
Despite the conversation, with the participation of Minister of Public Health Daniel Rivera and representatives of ARS health providers, the physicians announced they would go forward with a two-day ban (17-18 November) on accepting health plans in the eastern region of the country and Greater Santo Domingo. The physicians would be only attending emergency cases and hospitalizations. The health plans reportedly will reimburse patients.
The Dominican Medical Association (CMD), under Dr. Senen Caba protests that the system pays physicians RD$270 per consultation, when the medical plans produce high yields for the financial companies. Medical fees are compensated by extras charged to patients that can range from RD$600 to RD$2,000, depending on the consultation and the hospital. Dr. Caba says that government insurance plans, Reservas and Senasa, offer higher fees to the physicians and wants the financial company medical plans to do the same. Dr. Caba is recommending that patients switch to these plans.
There is a push for amendments to the Social Security Law 87-01. The most recent amendment, passed during the PLD-majority Congress during the Danilo Medina presidency, increased the benefits for the financial companies that operate health and pension plans with high yields.
The National Council of Social Security is controlled by the financial companies that manage pension and health plans, and is called upon to find a solution to the present impasse.
The Social Security Law was again sent to study by the health committee of the National Congress two years ago.
Read more in Spanish:
Hoy
Noticias SIN
Diario Libre
17 November 2022