Demand for accessible medical care drives sector; ANS studies plans with limited coverage for less than R $ 100
The market of popular clinics in Brazil registered 200% increase from 2010 to 2022, according to a report from the IEPs (Institute of Studies for Health Policies). Growth is 4 times higher than observed in other health facilities in the country.
The demand for popular clinics and its growth reflects the search for alternatives to SUS (Unified Health System) by the population that does not have health plans. A survey by the Locomotive Institute attested that from class C resorted to private medical services due to the difficulty of access to the system.
The ANS (National Agency of Supplementary Health) is considering the implementation of limited coverage health plans, which exclude hospitalizations and emergency care, with a cost of less than R $ 100. Public consultation on this proposal is open until April 4.
The IEPS report also pointed out that popular clinics adopt diverse business models, ranging from structures similar to dia-day hospitals to more traditional offices. The presence of clinics in areas of different socioeconomic profiles indicates a substitution between public and private services.
The survey of the locomotive institute also reveals that 92% of the 1,500 respondents from November 19 to 21, 2024, throughout Brazil, support the creation of a private health plan only for consultations and exams.
