ANS reports that Brazil has 48.4 million beneficiaries of health plans

In a monthly release, the National Agency for Complementary Health (ANS) announced that the number of beneficiaries of health plans continues to grow and reached 48.4 million people in July. An increase of 0.36% compared to July. The information was revealed in the Covid-19 bulletin, published by the agency, which measures the impact of the pandemic on medical care, in a preview for the seventh month of the year across Brazil.

The newsletter is based on data collection from operators that represent 74% of healthcare plan beneficiaries. The document also notes a decrease in the number of beds dedicated exclusively to Covid-19 care in hospitals. A decrease of 26% compared to June, and 49% compared to March and April, when peak supplies occurred. Autumn coincides with the progress of the vaccination campaign that took place in the country.

Regarding intensive care beds, the decrease in occupancy was 15 percentage points: from 76% to 61%. In the average family, it was 14%: it went from 64% to 51%. The document also notes a decline in the performance of RT-PCR tests, which are considered the gold standard for detecting Covid-19. It has been taking place since March, when it reached its peak, with nearly 923,000 tests.

The document also shows a decrease in demand from the health network for issues unrelated to Covid-19. “There was a decrease in the number of emergency room consultations that did not result in hospitalization compared to the previous month, which is still lower than those observed before the onset of the pandemic. With regard to the search for exams and elective treatments, it is noted that the issuance of procedures permits in July 2021 was close of the level verified in July 2019,” the bulletin states.

The regulator also highlights a 3.5% increase in the number of consumer complaints across service channels, compared to the previous month. Compared to the same period in 2020, the rate rises to 11.9%. According to the ANS, 42% of the complaints were about tests or treatment for Covid-19. However, the federal agency notes that more than 90% of cases are resolved through mediation.