Costa Rica Sets a Goal of 100% Health Coverage

Representatives of the World Health Organization and officials from Costa Rica's Health Ministry recently met to discuss coverage of the health system as part of an initiative that would involve regional governments as part of programs and strategies related to social health systems. The primary goal is universalize such systems in Latin American countries.

According to Health Minister María Elena López, while Costa Rica serves as a successful example in the service, there are still many people who are outside the system. Such individuals can be found in urban areas as well as border and indigenous areas. López went on to state that it is necessary to define strategies that would ensure the inclusion of everyone in the health system. One such strategy might be to generate quality jobs. Such inclusion could also be assured through family allowances.

A representative of the Pan American Health Organization, Jorge Luis Prosperi, and the World Health organization, have stated that discussions will be held with all ministers of health in the Americas the subject of universal health coverage for each of those countries and then work toward passing a resolution that will invite countries that provide universal coverage.

Prosperi also stated that in the case of Costa Rica, such a meeting is particularly relevant due to the fact that the country has public social insurance that allows for almost full universal coverage and as such, serves as a model for public social protection throughout Latin America.

Throughout the region, Panama and Costa Rica are the two countries that provide the greatest coverage. Nationally, such coverage provides almost 100 percent, while in Panama, approximately 80 percent of the population is covered.

As with any universal public health care system, there are downfalls which include long lines and wait times for special services.  In addition, the quality of medications prescribed by Costa Rica’s “Caja” is less than ideal at times.   Residents and nationals with more financial resources often opt for private clinics and doctors which still are a fraction of the cost of a doctor in the US.