CofC outlines health-sector reforms needed in Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce convened leaders from across the health care sector to examine mounting pressures on the island’s system, including delayed insurer payments, workforce shortages and rising treatment costs.
The “Forum on Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses in Puerto Rico” brought together insurers, economists, government officials and business executives to exchange ideas and discuss potential solutions.
Chamber President Margaret Ramírez-Báez stressed the economic impact of a stable health care system.
“Health and the economy are deeply intertwined,” she said. “A jurisdiction that prioritizes its health care system strengthens its workforce and enhances its competitiveness.”
She said the Chamber’s goal is to “continue building bridges, fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders and promoting alliances among them, while simultaneously promoting the development of healthy businesses.”
Luis E. Pizarro-Otero, chairman of the Chamber’s Health Committee, pointed to opportunities for collaboration.
“There are many success stories, many areas to contribute,” he said. “There is room for creation and innovation to seek alternatives that strengthen the health sector with the help of private enterprise and the government.”
A recurring topic was the strain caused by delayed insurer payments. Insurance Commissioner Suzette Del Valle-Lecároz warned that the issue is affecting the entire provider network.
“Timely payment is a critical pillar of the health care system,” she said. “It affects the operation of laboratories, clinics, hospitals and the retention of physicians.”
She said her office is implementing new oversight tools and emphasized the need for “a fair, accessible and sustainable system for everyone.”
Health Secretary Dr. Víctor M. Ramos focused on physician retention and training, citing licensing requirements that discourage new professionals.
He warned that “Congress needs to address the cost of medications, because the costs at Vital will be unaffordable,” and said the government is developing a student loan repayment program to help retain doctors and residents.
Félix García, CEO of IKON Group, called attention to the need for regulatory focus on high-cost drugs.
“We must address the high cost of specialized and biotechnological medications, which drive up the cost of the system and put patients’ lives at risk,” he said.
He added that it would be beneficial “to evaluate new tax structures that allow companies to subsidize health plans.”
Economist Odalys Arroyo outlined structural challenges, including an aging physician workforce and uncertainty over who will absorb rising health care costs. She also noted the increased investments insurers must make to support provider networks.
Solange De Lahongrais, president of Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Products Association of Puerto Rico (MMAPA, in Spanish) and MMM Multihealth, addressed public perceptions of insurers.
“We make decisions from a human perspective: we’re patients too,” she said. “However, funding is limited. Medicare and Medicaid support much of the system, but it’s not enough. We’re not the enemy; we are part of the ecosystem that needs to align with a single message.”
The executive director of the Association of Insurance Companies of Puerto Rico (Acodese, in Spanish), Iraelia Pernas, emphasized responsible financial management and communication, saying the sector must better inform the public and lawmakers about viable solutions.
Carlos De Jesús, senior vice president of product development at MCS, described the strain on the private sector.
“The people can’t withstand another increase,” he said.
He noted that in the United States, higher premiums are offset by tax incentives unavailable in Puerto Rico.
“The bonuses directly impact the compensation of doctors and health professionals,” he said, pointing to the more competitive salaries on the mainland.
