The Senate of the Republic will meet this Wednesday to discuss, among other legislative initiatives, a crucial bill aimed at providing a financial guarantee to the Medical Assistance Cooperative of Uruguay (Casmu).
The proposal, which could grant up to 2.184 million Uruguayan pesos —equivalent to approximately 54 million dollars—, is being considered in the plenary session after having been approved unanimously by the Senate Committee.
The economic and financial situation of Casmu has raised significant concerns, prompting the government to implement control measures over the mutual fund for a period of one year, while keeping its authorities in office.
What does the bill propose to finance Casmu?
The bill establishes access to a Guarantee Fund created by Law No. 18,439, enacted in December 2008, and details the conditions under which this financial assistance is granted.
According to the text, the guarantee is granted exceptionally and uniquely to Casmu, without implying changes in the reference legislation. Such exceptionality indicates an urgent measure, designed to mitigate the liquidity problems of the health institution.
Even if access to the fund is granted, the law stipulates that Casmu must present a restructuring plan for its existing debts. This means that, despite receiving the guarantee, the mutual fund cannot avoid its financial responsibilities and must collaborate with the State in formulating long-term solutions.
One of the highlights of the project is the provision that allows Casmu to be temporarily exempted from presenting additional guarantees, provided that the conditions deemed necessary are met.
The law also grants the Executive Branch a period of 120 days to review and issue a ruling on the restructuring plans submitted by the mutual fund. If no ruling is issued within this period, the plans will be considered approved, which could accelerate the implementation of strategies that ensure the financial viability of Casmu.
The project also includes the creation of a Monitoring Commission to ensure the effective implementation of the restructuring plan.This commission will be composed of representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as representatives of Casmu and its users.
The presidency of this commission will be held by a representative of the Ministry of Health, thus reflecting the government’s importance in supervising the process.
This approach has generated diverse opinions among actors in the health sector, who see State intervention as a necessary measure to safeguard the health of the population.
However, there are also questions Questions about the effectiveness of the guarantees and how the reforms to be implemented in Casmu will be managed given the difficult situation it is going through.
