The National Health Insurance (SeNaSa) has authorized RD$618,187,188 to pay for medical expenses for individuals suffering from high cost illnesses and who are affiliated to the government sponsored health care provider. Much of these additional funds from SeNaSa are to be earmarked for payments to treat grave illnesses that tend to be expensive. This is a 30% increase over the amount allotted for the same period last year.<\/p>\n
According to Chanel Rosa Chupany, executive director of SeNaSa, of this amount, more than RD$280 million will be used to treat adult cancer patients, an increase of around 9% over last year. The treatments will be covered at hospitals affiliated to the Dominican League against Cancer, the Cibao Board against Cancer, the North East Board against Cancer and the National Cancer Institute Rosa Emilia Tavarez (INCART).<\/p>\n
The second highest amount is RD$65,513,696 has been designated to subsidize the costs for open heart surgeries, an increase of 33.7% from last year. The third highest coverage is for kidney dialysis procedures that totals RD$64.5 million, a 26% increase.<\/p>\n
SeNaSa provides health protection to over three million people and this year so far 400,000 more have registered. The government sponsored health care program was originally created for public employees but has been expanded to also cover the poor and unemployed. <\/p>\n