OCU requests the Ministry of Health a true progressive adjustment in the co-payment

Recent media reports about the intentions of the new Health Minister, Dolores Montserrat, to adjust the pharmaceutical copayment for pensioners in the 18,000 to 100,000 euro rental segment and the creation of new sections intermediaries. OCU demands more detailed information on possible changes in the co-payment system and calls for a through review of the system to make it truly progressive.

OCU has always insisted that the strecht between 18,000 and 100,000 euros, for both pensioners and active workers, is not progressive and especially unfair with Middle and low incomes. Even if we do not know the details about the government´s intention and how it will be corrected, it is premature to make assessments.

In her public statements the minister has stated her commitment to keep the amount of the contribution by the lower income pensioners, those who enter up to 18,000 euros a year currently pay 10%, as well as the next tranche 18,001 to 100,000 euros per year. If this were the case, OCU fears that the adjustment will be limited, in practice, to and increase in the contribution by a segment of the non-compensated population with reductions in other segments. This measure would not only not correct the problems of the current co-payment system but would increase the contributory injustice with those with lower incomes, up to 18,000 euros per year.

OCU insists, once again, on the need to address an overall improvement of the system in determining the user´s level of contribution, proceeding with a truly progressive adjustment that does not lead to unfair situations.

In this sense, it is necessary to implement an agile protocol in updating the data for those cases in which the family economic situation varies. OCU also calls for the improvement of the system to eliminate the existing duality with respect to the MUFACE, MUGEJU and ISFAS mutual-fund regime, which continue to maintain their own pharmaceutical contribution system without the difference being justified.

 Finally, OCU insists on the need to deepen measures aimed at promoting a more rational use of medicines as a more effective measure to reduce health spending, beyond the extension of the co-payment model to pensioners.