By The Star Staff
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia requested on Monday an increase in the rate paid by the Vital health insurance plan to diagnostic and treatment centers (CDTs) so that they can remain open late at night.
“I want the rate that the Vital Plan pays to the CDTs throughout Puerto Rico to be increased, with the aim that, if they have an emergency room in operation, this will contribute,” Pierluisi said at a press conference.
The governor said the increase would make “this service viable late at night.” He also stressed that since January, the remuneration rate for all health providers in the Vital Plan has increased, making it the plan with the best remuneration rate on the island.
The governor pointed out that in the past the Vital Plan was less favored by doctors due to its low rate. However, with the changes implemented, the rate for specialists is now 80% of traditional Medicare, while subspecialists are remunerated at 100%, and all other providers at 75%. He added that hospitals would receive an additional 5%.
“We practically doubled what primary health doctors receive in the Vital Plan,” Pierluisi said. “For example, the HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] group will receive $18 per patient per month, which is almost double what was previously obtained.”
The governor emphasized that the actions taken by his administration seek to improve the remuneration of the medical class in Puerto Rico. The aim is to remove the negative financial incentive that may have prompted some doctors to leave the island, he said, ensuring that it is not because of unsatisfactory remuneration if they do choose to leave.