The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce leads multisectoral dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of the healthcare system.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) convened health sector leaders during the Health Forum: Update on Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses in Puerto Rico, with the goal of analyzing the healthcare system’s challenges, promoting sustainable solutions, and fostering multisector dialogue to support the island’s economic development.

The event, held at the Condado Plaza Hotel and organized by PRCC’s Health and SME Committees, brought together representatives from insurance companies, economists, public officials, business leaders, and public policy experts.

“Health and the economy are deeply interconnected. A country that strengthens its healthcare system strengthens its workforce and its competitiveness. The current challenges urge us to rethink our models, build strategic alliances, and identify new opportunities. These elements will shape the future of Puerto Rico’s business sector. Our commitment is to continue building bridges, fostering dialogue, and encouraging partnerships between sectors—all while promoting healthy businesses,” said Attorney Margaret Ramírez Báez, President of the PRCC.

Luis E. Pizarro Orero, Esq., Chair of the CCPR Health Committee and former CCPR President, added:

“There are many success stories and areas for contribution. There’s space for creation and innovation to seek alternatives that strengthen the health sector with support from both the private sector and the government,” he said.

Timely Payments & Financial Pressure

One of the most pressing issues, according to Puerto Rico Insurance Commissioner Suzette Del Valle Lecároz, Esq., is the negative impact of delayed payments from health plans—a situation directly affecting small and medium-sized businesses and even causing the closure of essential providers.

“Timely payment is a critical pillar of the healthcare system. It affects the operations of labs, clinics, hospitals, and physician retention. We are implementing oversight mechanisms using technology and audits to ensure compliance. We need a fair, accessible, and sustainable system for all—and that is the priority of my office,” she stated.

Del Valle Lecároz also highlighted that insurers generate $22 billion in annual premiums, representing 17% of Puerto Rico’s gross income, making the sector one of the island’s most important economic pillars.

“Protecting the healthcare system is protecting the country’s social and economic stability. We must ensure timely access, remove barriers, and strengthen oversight frameworks. We also need public policy geared toward a fairer system for all,” she added.

Dr. Víctor M. Ramos Otero, Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Health, highlighted the importance of providing incentives for healthcare professionals and eliminating certain requirements for practicing medicine on the Island—such as Spanish courses for those who studied in the United States and English courses for those coming from Latin America—in addition to addressing other issues like costs and medical residencies.

“Congress must address the cost of medications, because costs under the Vital program will become unaffordable,” stated the Secretary, adding that a student loan repayment program is being developed to retain doctors and support medical residencies.

Better Premiums for SMEs

The forum also addressed the need to stabilize commercial premiums, develop new public policies with legislative support, and encourage employers to offer health plans.

“We must address the high cost of specialized and biotech medications, which increase system costs and endanger patient lives. The government must be more proactive in regulating usage and reviewing acquisition processes, as well as how we cover critical conditions like cancer and diabetes,” said Félix García, CEO of IKON Group. He added that it would be beneficial to explore new tax structures that allow businesses to subsidize medical plans.

Meanwhile, Maricarmen Burgos Carrión, President of Aon for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, stressed the importance of promoting healthy organizations through subsidies and incentives, as well as mental health programs to support holistic well-being and eliminate stigma.

Financial Status of Health Plans

Economist Odalys Arroyo, Managing Director at Advantage Business Consulting, outlined structural challenges, including the fact that over 50% of Puerto Rico’s doctors are 65 or older, foreshadowing a replacement crisis. She also raised uncertainty over who will fund long-term care—federal or local governments, individuals, or employers—especially as Medicare funds may shrink while insurers’ investments in providers continue to rise.

The Role of Insurers & Need for Viable Solutions

Solange De Lahongrais, President of MMAPA and MMM Multihealth, acknowledged that while insurers’ role as payers may seem unpopular, it is essential:

“We make decisions from a human perspective—we’re patients too. But funds are limited. Medicare and Medicaid sustain much of the system, but it’s not enough. We advocate in Congress for appropriate funding for our beneficiaries. We’re not the enemy—we’re part of the ecosystem that needs to align under one message.”

Attorney Iraelia Pernas, Executive Director of ACODESE, emphasized the need to strengthen communication, manage economic limitations responsibly, and educate the public and Legislature on feasible measures.

PR vs. U.S.: Premium Gaps & Financial Reality

According to Carlos De Jesús, Senior VP of Product Development at MCS, Puerto Rico’s private sector can no longer absorb additional cost increases.

“The people can’t take another premium hike. In the U.S., the private sector carries 30% of the healthcare system; in Puerto Rico, only 14%. Higher U.S. premiums are offset by tax incentives and credits—we don’t have those mechanisms here.”

De Jesús explained that premiums directly impact the compensation of doctors and healthcare professionals, who often face more competitive salaries in the mainland U.S.

Media Contact

Karen Garnik, APR, Fellow PRSA
E: karen@globalvisioncomms.com
M: 787-502-2424

Isadora Hernández
E: isadora@globavisioncomms.com
M: 787310-3807