Almost 50% had to adjust their budget to not lose their health plan

Research by the National Association of Benefit Administrators (Anab) shows that 47% of respondents had to adjust their budget in 2021 in order not to lose their health plan. The survey, which was heard by more than a thousand people across the country, also revealed that 83% of people fear losing the plan.

The survey was conducted in the last month of April with 1,012 people, aged 16 and over, responsible for major decisions in the household. The interviews were conducted over the phone.

Fear of losing access [ao plano de saúde] This may be driven by increased unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic,” emphasized Anab President and study author, Alessandro Acchiaba de Toledo.

According to him, portability is one way out for those who need to reduce the cost of their health plan, but without losing it. “It is the right of the beneficiary. The interest in portability increased by 12.5% ​​according to ANS [Agência Nacional de Saúde]. In some cases, Toledo said, health costs could have been cut by 40%.

According to the survey, among those without health insurance, 83% considered it necessary. Among respondents who are exclusive users of the Unified Health System (SUS), 68% required some form of medical care in 2021, but reported difficulty in accessing it.

For 88% of those surveyed, the need for medical assistance has remained the same or increased during the pandemic. The survey also showed that one in four people said they needed to seek more medical help after the COVID-19 pandemic began.