Health Insurers’ Unwarranted Contract Cancellations: A Call for Investigation by Lawmakers

In recent months, there have been reports that private health insurers in Brazil have been canceling thousands of insurance contracts with patients who have chronic conditions. This has prompted lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum to call for a select committee to investigate these companies.

During a House public hearing, Congresswoman Maria Rosas of the Republican party criticized the federal private health regulator ANS for not taking enough action to address this issue. She pointed out that insurers are only allowed to revoke individual contracts in cases of fraud or default, and collective contracts can only be terminated by the employer or with prior notice. However, some companies have been unilaterally revoking contracts without any explanation or justification.

Congresswoman Rosas also pointed out that insurers have openly admitted to canceling plans for financial reasons, which is illegal under current legislation. She called on ANS to take immediate action to ensure that these companies comply with the law and stop revoking insurance contracts without proper justification.

Andrea Werner, a São Paulo state lawmaker and member of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), also joined in the criticism of health insurers. She stated that these companies have made the decision not to prioritize certain patients any longer, and she dismissed claims that providers are responsible for these cancellations. Ms. Werner called on ANS to launch an investigation into these practices and take appropriate action to protect patients’ rights.