Regulator calls for reduction in healthcare plans

The healthcare system regulator Manuel Inostroza called for the timely approval of a reform that would lower the number of health insurance plans in the Isapres market, local daily La Segunda reported. There are 20 healthcare providers, or Isapres, in the Chilean market. There are currently 47,298 different health plans offered in Chile, of which, only 16,706 are still being sold. Over 30,000 plans are no longer being sold but are still in effect and were sold previously, according to the report. "We don't want one single plan," Inostroza said. Rather, the regulator seeks to increase transparency in the system by reducing the number of plans offered so that affiliates can easily find the best suitable healthcare plan. The regulator urged congress to approve the reform before the end of March so that it would go into effect in June.