The head of the Health Superintendence highlighted that his call for “an additional effort” has already been accepted by two Isapres: Nueva Masvida and Colmena.
Víctor Torres, Superintendent of Health, specified that he will ask for “an additional effort” from the Isapres to improve the conditions for refunding excessive charges to their members. after it became known that many companies in the sector would deliver less then $1,000 per month for 13 years to users.
Torres expressed, in statements collected by radio Cooperativa that “I am going to receive the Isapres in the lobby to be able to urge them to improve their conditions and to seek an administrative solution.” -in my opinion- more efficient and that can take precedence over a legislative solution, which could end up being more cumbersome.”
The head of the health Superintendency highlighted that his call for “an additional effort” It has already been welcomed by two Isapres: Nueva Masvida and Colmena.
“One of them is Isapre Nueva Masvida, which plans to pay 33% of its debt in two installments, December and January. Also the Isapre Colmena, which now informs us that, having 300 million pesos in cash that it will have at its disposal, it will use this money to improve the payments of a certain group, which I am still not specifically clear about.explained Torres, who stressed that “in response to the call we have made to the Isapres to actually improve conditions, there are at least two that have already reacted.”
Isapre Nueva Masvida maintains a debt with its affiliates of more than 70,000 million pesos, while Colmena has to return 256,000 million to its users.
How can members of Isapres monitor their refund conditions and seek recourse if they face issues?
Interview with Víctor Torres, Superintendent of Health: Improving Payments from Isapres
Q: thank you for joining us today, Superintendent Torres. Recently,you made a meaningful call to action for Isapres,asking them to make “an additional effort.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
A: Thank you for having me.My call for “an additional effort” pertains to teh need for Isapres to enhance the conditions for refunding excessive charges to their members. it’s concerning to see reports indicating that many companies in our sector are only offering less than $1,000 per month for up to 13 years to users. this is simply inadequate for those who rely on these services.
Q: You’ve mentioned that two specific Isapres—Nueva Masvida and Colmena—have already responded positively to your request.What steps are they taking to address this issue?
A: Yes, I’m pleased to share that Nueva Masvida plans to address its debt by repaying 33% of it in two installments, specifically in December and January.Colmena, conversely, has confirmed that they will use some of their cash reserves—300 million pesos—to improve payments to a select group of users, although the specifics are still being finalized. Their reactions indicate a willingness to improve conditions, which is a promising first step toward a broader solution.
Q: Can you provide any insight into the scale of the debts these Isapres owe to their members?
A: Certainly. Nueva Masvida has a debt exceeding 70,000 million pesos towards its affiliates, while Colmena is significantly more burdened, with a liability of about 256,000 million pesos to its users. This highlights the urgency of our initiatives and the critical need for these organizations to step up their efforts to compensate their members adequately.
Q: You mentioned pursuing an “administrative solution” rather than a legislative one. Why do you think this approach is more effective?
A: My belief is that an administrative solution can be more efficient and quicker to implement. Legislative processes can often be lengthy and cumbersome, perhaps delaying the necessary improvements in service for our users. By directly engaging with the Isapres and urging them to improve their conditions, we can find solutions that benefit members sooner.
Q: Moving forward, what should users of Isapres do if they feel they are not receiving fair treatment in regards to their refunds and charges?
A: I urge users to stay informed about their rights and the updates regarding their Isapres. If they feel that they are being treated unfairly, they should not hesitate to reach out to the Health Superintendence or directly to their Isapres with their concerns. It’s essential for members to advocate for themselves. Moreover, we encourage ongoing communication between Isapres and users to foster openness and accountability.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of this industry in light of the recent developments and your call to Isapres?
A: My hope is that this will mark the beginning of a significant shift in the way Isapres approach their obligations toward their members. Improving the financial conditions and ensuring fair refunds and charges will build trust and better health outcomes for users. If we can continue to motivate these organizations to respond positively, we will see an overall enhancement in the healthcare system, which ultimately benefits everyone involved.
Q: Thank you, Superintendent Torres, for your insights. We appreciate your commitment to bringing about positive change in the healthcare sector.
A: thank you for having me. I’m hopeful that together we can create a more effective healthcare system for all.