ASES chief vows thorough analysis of Mayors Federation proposal

By THE STAR STAFF

Health Insurance Administration (ASES by its acronym in Spanish) Executive Director Carlos Santiago Rosario announced Tuesday that the agency has already given instructions to carefully analyze the proposal presented by the Puerto Rico Mayors Federation of Mayors to exclude municipalities from paying the double contribution to the government health plan.

“We are going to evaluate this initiative of the Mayors Federation. As the entity in charge of administering the Puerto Rico Government Health Plan (Plan Vital), we have the obligation – and also the commitment – to look at each proposal with total objectivity,” Santiago said. “Any measure that may affect the financial stability or operation of the health system must be evaluated in depth and based on evidence.”

The ASES chief added that he has been in communication with the chairman of the ASES board of directors and secretary of health, Dr. Víctor Ramos Otero, “who will also review the results of our analysis of said proposal.”

Santiago added that the plan for the review will be able to address fiscal projections, federal compliance requirements, and possible sustainability scenarios in the short and medium term.

“The truth is that it is not just about numbers; it is about guaranteeing that any decision preserves the viability of the system and the quality of service to our patients,” he said.

The official also reiterated that ASES will continue to work openly and collaboratively with mayors, the Legislative Assembly and the Office of the Governor.

“In the interest of transparency and good governance, our goal is to maintain constant dialogue and provide accurate information that helps make informed decisions [...]”, Santiago said. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is to protect the 1.3 million beneficiaries of Plan Vital and ensure the continuity of a stable health system for all of Puerto Rico.”