Private Health Insurers in Brazil Under Fire as Lawmakers Call for Select Committee Investigation Amidst Reports of Illegal Contract Cancellations

Brazilian private health insurers are under fire from both sides of the political spectrum, as lawmakers call for a select committee to investigate these companies. The demand comes in response to reports that insurers have been revoking thousands of insurance contracts with patients who have chronic conditions without any legal justification. During a House public hearing, Congresswoman Maria Rosas of the Republican party criticized the federal private health regulator ANS for not doing enough to address this issue. She pointed out that insurers have openly admitted to canceling plans for financial reasons, which is illegal under current legislation.

In recent months, there have been multiple instances of companies unilaterally revoking insurance contracts, prompting lawmakers to call for an investigation by a hearings committee. Despite significant support from the House, Speaker Arthur Lira has not yet taken action on the motion. Congresswoman Rosas was joined by São Paulo state lawmaker Andréa Werner, a member of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), who also criticized the actions of health insurers. Ms. Werner stated that insurers have made the decision not to prioritize certain patients any longer and dismissed claims that providers are responsible for these cancellations.

The issue of insurance cancellations has become a major concern in Brazil, with many people fearing they will lose their coverage and be left without access to necessary medical care. Insurers argue that these cancellations are necessary due to high costs and low profitability margins, but critics say that they are putting profits over people’s lives and well-being. As a result, many lawmakers believe that an investigation is needed to get to the bottom of this issue and ensure that private health insurers are operating fairly and transparently.