Inflation, Economic Policy Changes, and Access to Essential Drugs by Retirees in Argentina.

This cross-sectional study investigates whether there are associations between inflation, economic policy changes, and retirees' access to medicines in Argentina.

Os sentidos do aposentar-se na visão de sujeitos aposentados / The senses of retirement in the perspective of retired subjects

O artigo tem o objetivo de investigar como se dá o processo de interrupção do trabalhar no momento da aposentadoria e como os sujeitos passam por essa experiência em um cenário em que o trabalho é considerado fundamental na vida das pessoas. Foi utilizada metodologia qualitativa, composta por análise de narrativa de entrevistas realizadas com 20 sujeitos aposentados. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciam que o fator financeiro é bastante relevante, no entanto existem aspectos subjetivos que não são ponderados no momento de parar de trabalhar. De maneira complementar, percebeu-se que ficar sem trabalho em uma sociedade produtivista faz com que os sujeitos se sintam desconfortáveis, mesmo tendo o direito legitimado para o descanso. Eles dizem se sentir julgados como inúteis e improdutivos pela sociedade, o que torna o ócio penoso em muitos momentos. Por fim, as narrativas demonstraram que se aposentar é percebido como ficar velho e sem perspectiva de futuro

The article aims to investigate how retirement occurs and is perceived by subjects in a society in which work is seen as fundamental in people's lives. A qualitative approach was used and data were collected and analysed through interviews with 20 subjects and narrative analysis. Results show that finances is quite a relevant factor when choosing to retire, while subjective aspects to this process are disregarded. Complementarily, not working in a productivity-bound society makes subjects uncomfortable, despite their legitimized right to rest. The participants reported feeling judged as useless and unproductive by society, which makes idleness painful in many moments. Finally, the narrative analysis showed that retiring is perceived as getting old and having no perspective for the future

Retirement, Pensions, and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in China, England, Mexico, and the United States.

This study explores the associations of retirement, and of public and private pensions, with older adults' depressive symptoms by comparing differences between countries and age groups. Harmonized data were analyzed from the family of Health and Retirement Study in 2012-2013 from China, England, Mexico, and the United States (n = 97,978). Respondents were asked if they were retired and received public or private pensions. Depressive symptom was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Retirement was significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms for the United States and with lower depressive symptoms for Mexico and England. Public pension was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms for Mexico and with higher depressive symptoms for the United States and China. Private pension was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms for the United States, China, and England. Our study shows that continuity theory demonstrates cross-national variation in explaining the association between retirement and depressive symptoms.

Association Between Social Pensions With Depression, Social, and Health Behaviors Among Poor Older Individuals in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Many low- and middle-income countries have introduced social pensions to alleviate extreme poverty and improve the well-being of older individuals. However, evidence remains inconclusive about the potential effects of such programs on mental health, social, and health behaviors. METHODS: Data for individuals aged 60 or older came from the nationally representative Encuesta Nacional de Salud, Bienestar y Envejeciamiento survey in Colombia 2015 (N = 9,456). We used propensity score matching to estimate the association between the country's social pension program (Colombia Mayor) with depression, self-rated health, food insecurity, alcohol consumption, social participation, and labor force participation. RESULTS: Results show that receiving the program does not significantly affect the likelihood of suffering from depression or self-rated health among either men or women. However, receiving the program is associated with significant reductions in the likelihood of experiencing food insecurity and significant increases in the likelihood of participating socially. Among women, receiving the program is associated with significant reduction in the likelihood of participating in the labor force. DISCUSSION: The absence of a measurable effect on depression and self-rated health may be explained, at least partly, by the program's comparatively small cash benefit and the sharing of resources with other family members. Policymakers should assess possibilities to maximize the health and social benefits of social pensions.

Obesity Increases Costs With Productivity Loss Due to Disability Retirements, Independent of Physical Activity: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate whether obesity is responsible for costs due to productivity loss (PL) in adults, during 30 months of follow-up. METHODS: Absenteeism and disability retirement were considered as PL. For classification of obesity, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) values were considered. The statistical software BioEstat (release 5.0) was used and the significance level was set at P value < 0.05. RESULTS: For the men, BMI and WC accounted for ∼60% and ∼30% of retirement due to disability (P = 0.001). For the women, this percentage represented ∼19% for BMI and ∼8% for WC, both P < 0.05. Physical activity was not a significant confounder in any of the analyses (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Total and abdominal obesity were responsible for increased costs from PL due to early retirement among adults aged 50 years or older.

Impacto do afastamento do trabalho por doenças inflamatórias intestinais no Brasil / Impact of work disability due to inflammatory bowel diseases in Brazil

As doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) podem ter impactos sociais e econômicos no Brasil, onde sua prevalência aumentou recentemente. Este estudo tem como objetivo principal avaliar a incapacidade por DII na população brasileira, descrevendo proporções com fatores demográficos e como objetivo secundário, a avaliação de possíveis fatores de risco de afastamento do trabalho por Doença de Crohn (DC) em um centro de referência em DII da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), cujo resultado pode refletir outras regiões do país. A análise foi realizada utilizando-se a plataforma do Sistema Único de Informações sobre Benefícios da Previdência Social, com um primeiro cruzamento de dados de auxílios doença e aposentadorias por invalidez com DC e Retocolite Ulcerativa (RCU) entre 2010-2014. Dados adicionais como valores médios de benefícios, duração do benefício, idade, sexo e região foram obtidos através da mesma plataforma. Um segundo cruzamento entre auxílios doença e aposentadorias por invalidez foi feito somente para DC entre 2010-2018 no estado do Rio de Janeiro e foram pesquisados os mesmos dados adicionais. Uma subanálise foi realizada nos casos de incapacidade em comum com os pacientes com DC da UERJ, para avaliação das características que teriam maior chance de atuar como fator de risco para afastamento do trabalho, se comparando com a população de DC desse ambulatório que não teve afastamento pelo Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS). No Brasil, a incapacidade temporária ocorreu com maior frequência na RCU enquanto a permanente na DC. A DC afastou pacientes mais jovens que a RCU e ambas mais mulheres que homens. As ausências temporárias do trabalho por DC e RCU foram maiores no Sul e as menores ausências por DC foram observadas no Norte e Nordeste. A média de dias de incapacidade foi longa, de quase um ano, sendo maiores na DC em comparação à RCU, porém ambos tenderam a diminuir de 2010 à 2014. O valor dos benefícios pagos pelas DII representou aproximadamente 1% de todos os benefícios da mesma natureza no país, sendo 51% dos gastos com DC. No RJ, a prevalência da DC foi de 26 por 100.000/habitantes, com custo indireto de 0,8% dos benefícios totais, apresentando taxa de 16,6% de incapacidade, similar a encontrada no grupo de pacientes da UERJ. Os fatores de risco de incapacidade por DC na UERJ foram idade menor que 40 anos a época do diagnóstico, tempo de duração da doença, cirurgia intestinal prévia e fístula anovaginal. Dos afastados, 19% apresentaram depressão ou ansiedade associados. A média de tempo entre o diagnóstico de DC e a incapacidade foi de 3 anos. No Brasil, as DII frequentemente causam incapacidade prolongada e podem gerar aposentadorias precoces, com programas de reabilitação profissional ainda pouco explorados. As tendências de redução das taxas de incapacidade no Brasil podem refletir melhorias no acesso a cuidados de saúde e a medicamentos. Os custos indiretos baseados apenas no absenteísmo em empregos foram significativos e a demonstração desse impacto socioeconômico e de fatores de risco de incapacidade podem auxiliar no planejamento de políticas públicas para o país.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can lead to Brazil's social and economic impacts, where their prevalence has recently increased. This study's main objective is to evaluate the disability due to IBD in the Brazilian population describing proportions with demographic factors. Secondly, it assesses possible risk factors of absence from work due to Crohn's disease (CD) in a referral center of IBD of the State University of RJ (UERJ), which results may reflect other regions of the country. The analysis was performed using the Unified Social Security Benefits Information System platform, with the first crossing of data on sickness benefits and disability pensions with CD and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) between 2010- 2014. Additional data, such as average benefit values, benefit duration, age, sex, and region of the country, were obtained through the same platform. A second crossing between sickness benefits and disability pensions was made only for CD between 2010-2018 in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) for the evaluation of the same additional data. A subanalysis was made in cases of CD disability in common with patients at UERJ, to assess the characteristics that would have a greater chance as a risk factor for absence from work, compared to the population of CD of this clinic that had no disability by the Institute National Social Security (INSS). In Brazil, temporary disability occurred more frequently in the UC while the permanent one in CD. Disability occurred in patients with CD younger than UC and both more in women than in men. Temporary absences from work due to CD and UC were more significant in the South, and the lowest absences due to CD were observed in the North and Northeast. The average number of days of disability was long, almost one year, being higher in CD than in UC, but both tended to decrease from 2010 to 2014. IBD's benefits represented approximately 1% of all the benefits of sickness in the country, with 51% of DC spending. In RJ, the prevalence of CD was 26 per 100,000 / inhabitants, with an indirect cost of 0.8% of total benefits, with a rate of 16.6% of disability, similar to that found in the group of patients at UERJ. The risk factors for CD disability in UERJ were age under 40 at the time of diagnosis, duration of the disease, previous intestinal surgery, and anovaginal fistula. Of those on absence from work 19% had associated depression or anxiety. The average time between the diagnosis of CD and disability was three years. In Brazil, IBDs often cause prolonged disability and can lead to early retirements, with professional rehabilitation programs still little explored. Trends in the reduction of disability rates in Brazil may reflect improvements in access to healthcare and medicines. The indirect costs with IBD in Brazil, based only in absenteeism, were significant, and demonstrating this socioeconomic impact and risk factors for disability can help plan public policies for the country.

Exiting the labour market early: retirement or discrimination? / Saída precoce do mercado de trabalho: aposentadoria ou discriminação?

Several studies show that despite a decline in mortality and improvements to health conditions, workers have left the economic activities early. The literature associates precocious exit from the labour market to the widespread coverage of Social Security. One alternative to contain the fiscal imbalance in most countries has been to postpone the minimal age to be entitled to a pension benefit. Nevertheless, many studies suggest the existence of barriers that make it difficult for older workers to remain in economic activity. Among them are prejudices among employers.This paper aims to understand the non-participation of Brazilian men aged 50-64 in economic activities. The focus on this age group is because they would be the first group to be affected by the pension reform proposed by the Government. These are those who are neither in the labour market nor retired (neither-nor). The proportion of these men of the total number of men in this age group increased from 3.5% to 10.2% between 1984 and 2015. Very low schooling and worse health conditions compared to other men can contribute to difficulties for insertion. This suggests discrimination in relation to the older worker and the lack of public policies aimed at reinforcing the ability of these individuals to obtain a job.

Estudos mostram que, a despeito da queda das taxas de mortalidade e das melhorias nas condições de saúde, os trabalhadores têm saído mais cedo da atividade econômica. Esperar-se-ia que uma vida mais longa aumentasse os retornos aos investimentos em capital humano. A literatura associa a saída precoce do mercado de trabalho à cobertura da seguridade social. O adiamento da idade à aposentadoria é considerado uma alternativa para conter o desequilíbrio fiscal em muitos países. No entanto, estudos sugerem a existência de barreiras que inibem a permanência do trabalhador mais velho na atividade econômica. Entre elas, cita-se o preconceito por parte dos empregadores. O objetivo deste trabalho é buscar entender a não participação de homens brasileiros de 50-64 anos nas atividades econômicas, aí incluídos os que não estão aposentados (nem-nem). São o primeiro grupo a ser afetado pela reforma previdenciária proposta pelo governo. A proporção desses no total desta faixa etária aumentou de 3,5% para 10,2%, entre 1984 e 2017. Baixa escolaridade e piores condições de saúde em relação aos demais homens podem dificultar essa inserção. Isso sugere uma discriminação com relação aos trabalhadores mais velhos e a falta de políticas públicas que visem reforçar a capacidade destes indivíduos para conseguir um emprego.

Saída precoce do mercado de trabalho: aposentadoria ou discriminação? / Exiting the labour market early: retirement or discrimination?

Resumo Estudos mostram que, a despeito da queda das taxas de mortalidade e das melhorias nas condições de saúde, os trabalhadores têm saído mais cedo da atividade econômica. Esperar-se-ia que uma vida mais longa aumentasse os retornos aos investimentos em capital humano. A literatura associa a saída precoce do mercado de trabalho à cobertura da seguridade social. O adiamento da idade à aposentadoria é considerado uma alternativa para conter o desequilíbrio fiscal em muitos países. No entanto, estudos sugerem a existência de barreiras que inibem a permanência do trabalhador mais velho na atividade econômica. Entre elas, cita-se o preconceito por parte dos empregadores. O objetivo deste trabalho é buscar entender a não participação de homens brasileiros de 50-64 anos nas atividades econômicas, aí incluídos os que não estão aposentados (nem-nem). São o primeiro grupo a ser afetado pela reforma previdenciária proposta pelo governo. A proporção desses no total desta faixa etária aumentou de 3,5% para 10,2%, entre 1984 e 2017. Baixa escolaridade e piores condições de saúde em relação aos demais homens podem dificultar essa inserção. Isso sugere uma discriminação com relação aos trabalhadores mais velhos e a falta de políticas públicas que visem reforçar a capacidade destes indivíduos para conseguir um emprego.

Abstract Several studies show that despite a decline in mortality and improvements to health conditions, workers have left the economic activities early. The literature associates precocious exit from the labour market to the widespread coverage of Social Security. One alternative to contain the fiscal imbalance in most countries has been to postpone the minimal age to be entitled to a pension benefit. Nevertheless, many studies suggest the existence of barriers that make it difficult for older workers to remain in economic activity. Among them are prejudices among employers.This paper aims to understand the non-participation of Brazilian men aged 50-64 in economic activities. The focus on this age group is because they would be the first group to be affected by the pension reform proposed by the Government. These are those who are neither in the labour market nor retired (neither-nor). The proportion of these men of the total number of men in this age group increased from 3.5% to 10.2% between 1984 and 2015. Very low schooling and worse health conditions compared to other men can contribute to difficulties for insertion. This suggests discrimination in relation to the older worker and the lack of public policies aimed at reinforcing the ability of these individuals to obtain a job.

Indirect Economic Impact of Chronic Pain on Education Workers: A Company Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate indirect cost (IC) related to chronic pain (CP) from an employer's perspective. METHODS: A cost-of-illness study was performed on active workers and retirees due to CP, between October 2017 and March 2018, in one of the Brazilian public universities. IC was measured as a sum of absenteeism, presenteeism, and disability pensions. The analysis of factors associated with IC was based on Tweedie model. RESULTS: CP had an average IC of R$9258.20 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 6907.37 to 11,950.17], which generates an impact of 6.42 million (95% CI = 4.37 to 10.99) per year, corresponding to 3.42% (95% CI = 2.33 to 5.85) of the payroll. The position (Measure of 2.00, 95% CI = 1.19 to 3.38) and pain intensity (Measure of 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.30) presented independent association. CONCLUSION: CP generates the high levels of IC for the education's employer. There is an urgent need to implement prevention programs aimed at improving CP control in the workplace.

Financial Preparation for Retirement in Brazil: a Cross-Cultural Test of the Interdisciplinary Financial Planning Model.

In this investigation, we attempt to replicate the Interdisciplinary Financial Planning Model advanced by Hershey et al. (International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 70, 1-38, 2010) using a sample of Brazilian adults. This model, which was originally tested on individuals from The Netherlands and the United States, posits that psychological, social, and economic forces are key determinants of retirement planning practices and perceptions of saving adequacy. Taken together, fifteen hypotheses were subject to evaluation. Participants were 167 Brazilian working adults, 21-69 years of age, who were married or cohabitating at the time of testing. A path analysis model showed substantial support for the theoretical framework, with all variables found to contribute directly or indirectly to the prediction of financial planning and saving adequacy. Furthermore, two new paths were found to emerge in the Brazilian model that were not observed in the original investigation. This cross-national replication of the Interdisciplinary Financial Planning Model extends research on the topic to a developing country in which relatively few empirical studies of retirement planning have been carried out. Other analyses in the article focus on direct comparisons between the Brazilian model and the models developed based on American and Dutch respondents, with an eye toward better understanding how cultural forces shape the retirement planning process. The discussion focuses on how models of financial planning, such as the Hershey et al. (2010) model, can inform the development of savings-oriented education and intervention programs.

Association Between Costs Related to Productivity Loss and Modified Risk Factors Among Users of the Brazilian National Health System.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between costs related to productivity losses and its risk factors among users of the Brazilian National Health System. METHODS: The public cost associated with productivity losses of 342 adults has been estimated, taking into account a period of 18 months. Costs related to productivity loss were estimate using data provided by the Brazilian National Health System (disability retirements) and absenteeism. Modifiable risk factors and unhealthy behaviors were assessed through interviews (physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and smoking) and clinical assessments (obesity). RESULTS: Smoking and physical inactivity affected significantly the amount of money lost with productivity losses related to absenteeism. The presence of obesity generated higher expenditures with disability retirement, while low back pain and sleep disorder were the most relevant confounders in multivariate models for disability retirement and absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: Among users of the Brazilian National Health System, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity seem to have a significant effect on productivity losses associated with health problems. Moreover, low back pain and sleep quality seem variables few explored but with potential to affect health care costs.

Social Security Contributions and Return Migration Among Older Male Mexican Immigrants.

Purpose: For decades, scholars have studied the effects of immigration on the U.S. social security system. To date, this research has been primarily limited to migrants within the United States and does not consider those who return to their countries of origin. We estimate the proportion of male Mexican return migrants who contributed to the U.S. social security system and analyze their socioeconomic characteristics and migration histories. We also estimate the proportion that receive or expect to receive U.S. social security benefits. Design and Methods: Using probit regression on the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), we describe the predictors of having contributed to the U.S. social security system among Mexican males in Mexico aged 50 years and older who at some point lived in the United States. Results: We find that 32% of male return migrants reported having contributed to the U.S. social security system, but only 5% of those who contributed, received or expected to receive benefits. Those who reported having contributed spent more years in the United States and were more likely to be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents than those who did not contribute. Implications: Immigrants often pay Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance taxes using legitimate or illegitimate social security numbers and return to their home countries without collecting U.S. social security benefits.

Costs of Extending the Noncontributory Pension Program for Elderly: The Mexican Case.

Population aging coupled with high poverty rates among older persons and a lack of access to social-security benefits or traditional support systems have led governments in low and middle-income countries to introduce non-contributory pension programs for the elderly. This article reviews a non-contributory pension program introduced in Mexico in 2007 that has since expanded greatly. We use a variety of sources to estimate current and future costs of this program.

A relação entre renda e composição domiciliar dos idosos no Brasil: um estudo sobre o impacto do recebimento do Benefício de Prestação Continuada / The relationship between income and living arrangements of elderly persons in Brazil: the impact of the Continuous Cash Benefit Transfer Program (BPC) / La relación entre ingresos y composición domiciliaria de los ancianos en Brasil: un estudio sobre el impacto de la recepción del Beneficio de Prestación Continuada

Este trabalho analisa o impacto do recebimento do Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) sobre a composição dos arranjos domiciliares dos idosos pobres no Brasil. O BPC corresponde ao benefício mensal no valor de um salário mínimo (SM) destinado a idosos acima de 65 anos, cuja renda familiar per capita seja inferior a » de SM. Essa discussão é bastante oportuna no atual contexto brasileiro, que vem sendo marcado por um acelerado envelhecimento populacional, por profundas mudanças nos arranjos domiciliares e pela ampla cobertura de seguridade social do idoso. Utilizando o método estatístico da "diferença em diferença" e os dados da PNAD de 2002 e 2004, são investigadas duas hipóteses discutidas na literatura sobre o tema: o recebimento de uma transferência incondicional de renda elevaria a probabilidade de os idosos viverem sozinhos, em função da autonomia conferida pela renda, ou aumentaria a probabilidade da corresidência com familiares devido à atração exercida pela renda. O resultado sugere a hipótese de que o recebimento do BPC, no Brasil, tem aumentado a probabilidade de formação de domicílios unipessoais.

This paper analyzes the impact of income for the elderly from the Continuous Cash Benefit Transfer Program (BPC) on the living arrangements of elderly poor persons. This benefit consists of income received monthly, equivalent to one minimum wage, by elderly persons over age 65 whose monthly per capita family income is below one-fourth of the minimum wage. This discussion is relevant in the current Brazilian context, which has been marked by rapid population aging, broad changes in living arrangements and an expansion of social security benefits for the elderly. Two hypothesis discussed in the literature were investigated, using the difference-in-difference statistical method and based on data from the 2002 and 2004 PNADs. It was seen that this unconditional income transfer would either (i) increase the probability of the elderly persons involved to live independently, or (ii) increase the probability of co-residence with family due to the attraction exerted by this additional income. The results obtained show that the receiving of the BPC income increases the probability that beneficiaries will tend to seek independents living arrangements.

Este trabajo analiza el impacto de la recepción del Beneficio de Prestación Continuada (BPC) sobre la composición de los arreglos domiciliarios de los ancianos pobres en Brasil. El BPC corresponde al beneficio mensual de un salario mínimo (SM) destinado a personas con más de 65 años, cuyos ingresos familiares per capita sean inferiores a » del SM. Esta discusión es bastante oportuna en el actual contexto brasileño, marcado por un acelerado envejecimiento poblacional, por profundos cambios en los arreglos domiciliarios y por la amplia cobertura de seguridad social del anciano. Utilizando el método estadístico de la "diferencia en diferencia" y los datos del PNAD de 2002 y 2004, se investigan dos hipótesis discutidas en la literatura sobre el tema: la recepción de una transferencia incondicional de renta elevaría la probabilidad de que los ancianos vivieran solos, en función de la autonomía otorgada por los ingresos, o aumentaría la probabilidad de la co-residencia con familiares debido a la atracción ejercida por la renta. El resultado sugiere la hipótesis de que la recepción del BPC, en Brasil, ha aumentado la probabilidad de formación de domicilios unipersonales.

O impacto da reforma da previdência social rural brasileira nos arranjos familiares: uma análise para entender a composição dos domicílios dado o aumento da renda dos idosos / The impact of the Brazilian rural social insurance reform on family composition: an analysis of the structure of homes after the increase in the income of the elderly / /El impacto de la reforma de la Seguridad Social rural brasileña en las estructuras familiares: un análisis para entender la composición de los domicilios por el aumento de renta en la tercera edad

Esta pesquisa explorou o efeito de uma variação exógena na renda, devido à reforma da previdência social brasileira de 1992 para os trabalhadores rurais, nos arranjos domiciliares rurais no Brasil. Realizou-se uma avaliação do impacto do aumento da renda dos idosos sobre a composição dos domicílios, nos termos de mudanças possíveis nos arranjos familiares. Especificamente, esta pesquisa tratou os arranjos familiares (ou a composição dos domicílios) como uma variável endógena em contraste com a literatura sobre o tema, a qual costuma abordar a composição do domicílio como uma variável exógena ao ambiente econômico do domicílio. Os objetivos foram: estimar as diferenças, em termos de arranjos familiares, entre domicílios com presença de idosos aptos a receberem o benefício da reforma e domicílios que não possuem idosos, antes da reforma (1989) e após (1998); estimar em que medida as diferenças em termos de arranjos familiares podem ser explicadas pela mudança causada pela reforma da previdência rural; e verificar se os efeitos da presença de pessoas elegíveis para receberem a aposentadoria nos arranjos domiciliares variam em função do sexo da pessoa que recebe aposentadoria. Quanto à relevância da pesquisa, a mesma está centrada no fato de que os resultados poderão ser úteis para a compreensão dos impactos primários e secundários de uma política que visa incrementar a renda de um segmento da população que vem crescendo aceleradamente no Brasil: os idosos. E mais, tal impacto, em termos do tipo de arranjo mais preponderante, apresenta um componente relacionado com o sexo da pessoa elegível, em que as mulheres que recebem os benefícios da reforma (com características elegíveis) tendem a viver em arranjos mais complexos do que seu oposto (homens ou mulheres fora do critério de elegibilidade).

This study aimed to assess the effect of an exogenous change in income, due to the 1992' reform of Brazilian social insurance for rural workers, on the structure of rural homes in Brazil. We assessed the impact of the increase in the income of the elderly on the composition of homes, regarding possible changes in family arrangements. In particular, this study considered household arrangement (or household composition) as an endogenous variable, contrasting to the existing literature that considers it an exogenous variable to the economic environment of the household. The objectives of the study were: to estimate differences in family arrangement between families with an elderly member eligible to receive the reform benefits, and families without an elderly member, before (1989) and after (1998) the reform; to assess how the differences in family arrangements can be explained by the changes caused by the rural social insurance reform; and to assess if the effects of the presence of a member eligible for retirement in family arrangements vary as a function of the gender of the beneficiary. The importance of the study is that its results might help understand the primary and secondary impacts of a policy that aims to increase the income of a growing segment of the Brazilian population: the elderly. According to the results, it is possible to state a statistically significant impact on household arrangements due to the 1992 rural social insurance reform. This is showed by the differences in family composition between the groups that are eligible and non-eligible for benefits of the reform. Additionally, when the most predominant type of family composition is considered, this impact is associated to the gender of the eligible member, that is, when the eligible individual is a female, the household composition tends to be more complex than for non-eligible males or females.

Esta investigación trató sobre el efecto de una variación exógena en la renta, debido a la reforma de la Seguridad Social brasileña de 1992, en el grupo de los trabajadores rurales y sus estructuras domiciliarias rurales en Brasil. Se realizó una evaluación del impacto en el aumento de la renta de la tercera edad sobre la composición de los domicilios, en lo referente a posibles cambios en las estructuras familiares. Esta investigación se centró en las estructuras familiares como una variable endógena, en contraste con la literatura sobre el tema, que solía abordar la composición del domicilio como una variable exógena al ambiente económico del domicilio. Los objetivos fueron: estimar las diferencias, en términos de estructuras familiares, entre domicilios con presencia de miembros de la tercera edad aptos para recibir los beneficios que les corresponden por la reforma, y domicilios que no poseen miembros de la tercera edad, antes de la reforma (1989) y después (1998); estimar en qué medida las diferencias, en términos de estructuras familiares, pueden ser explicadas por el cambio causado por la reforma de la Seguridad Social rural; y verificar si los efectos de la presencia de personas susceptibles de recibir la pensión en las estructuras domiciliarias varían en función del sexo de la persona que recibe la pensión.

United States-Mexico cross-border health insurance initiatives: Salud Migrante and Medicare in Mexico.

While U.S. health care reform will most likely reduce the overall number of uninsured Mexican-Americans, it does not address challenges related to health care coverage for undocumented Mexican immigrants, who will remain uninsured under the measures of the reform; documented low-income Mexican immigrants who have not met the five-year waiting period required for Medicaid benefits; or the growing number of retired U.S. citizens living in Mexico, who lack easy access to Medicare-supported services. This article reviews two promising binational initiatives that could help address these challenges-Salud Migrante and Medicare in Mexico; discusses their prospective applications within the context of U.S. health care reform; and identifies potential challenges to their implementation (legal, political, and regulatory), as well as the possible benefits, including coverage of uninsured Mexican immigrants, and their integration into the U.S. health care system (through Salud Migrante), and access to lower-cost Medicare-supported health care for U.S. retirees in Mexico (Medicare in Mexico).

United States-Mexico cross-border health insurance initiatives: Salud Migrante and Medicare in Mexico / Iniciativas transfronterizas de seguro de salud entre México y los Estados Unidos: Salud Migrante y Medicare en México

While U.S. health care reform will most likely reduce the overall number of uninsured Mexican-Americans, it does not address challenges related to health care coverage for undocumented Mexican immigrants, who will remain uninsured under the measures of the reform; documented low-income Mexican immigrants who have not met the five-year waiting period required for Medicaid benefits; or the growing number of retired U.S. citizens living in Mexico, who lack easy access to Medicare-supported services. This article reviews two promising binational initiatives that could help address these challenges-Salud Migrante and Medicare in Mexico; discusses their prospective applications within the context of U.S. health care reform; and identifies potential challenges to their implementation (legal, political, and regulatory), as well as the possible benefits, including coverage of uninsured Mexican immigrants, and their integration into the U.S. health care system (through Salud Migrante), and access to lower-cost Medicare-supported health care for U.S. retirees in Mexico (Medicare in Mexico).

Aunque la reforma del sector sanitario de los Estados Unidos muy probablemente reducirá el número global de ciudadanos estadounidenses de origen mexicano sin cobertura de atención de la salud, esta reforma no afronta los problemas relacionados con esta cobertura para los inmigrantes mexicanos indocumentados, quienes seguirán sin tener seguro aun tras la aplicación de las medidas de la reforma; para los inmigrantes mexicanos documentados de bajos ingresos que no han cumplido el período de espera de cinco años requerido para recibir las prestaciones de Medicaid; o para el número cada vez mayor de ciudadanos estadounidenses jubilados que viven en México y no pueden acceder con facilidad a los servicios de Medicare. En este artículo se analizan dos iniciativas binacionales prometedoras que podrían ayudar a afrontar estos retos: Salud Migrante y Medicare en México. Se tratan además sus futuras aplicaciones dentro del contexto de la reforma del sector sanitario de los Estados Unidos y se señalan los posibles retos para su ejecución (legales, políticos y reglamentarios), al igual que las posibles prestaciones, como la cobertura de los inmigrantes mexicanos no asegurados y su integración en el sistema de atención de la salud de los Estados Unidos (mediante Salud Migrante), y el acceso a atención de la salud de bajo costo, con el apoyo de Medicare, para los jubilados estadounidenses residentes en México (Medicare en México).

[Socioeconomic profile of individuals presenting with glaucoma in the service of ophthalmology of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora - Minas Gerais - Brazil]. / Perfil socioeconômico dos portadores de glaucoma no serviço de oftalmologia do hospital universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Minas Gerais - Brasil.

PURPOSE: To assess the socioeconomic profile of individuals presenting with primary glaucoma at the ophthalmology service of the university hospital of the Feredal University of Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. METHODS: Submission of a questionnaire to 100 individuals during consultation in the ophthalmology service of the university hospital of Federal University of Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. RESULTS: Eighty-four per cent of individuals were pensioners or retired, 86% had a monthly income of 1 to 2 salaries, 29% had been spending 26 to 75 reais per month with glaucoma therapy, 78% presented with comorbidities and 41% had already abandoned treatment due to financial difficulties in buying the medication. CONCLUSION: The low-socioeconomic-level studied population presents with therapeutic compliance difficulties mainly due to financial situation and presence of comorbidities. The authors reinforce the urgent need of adopting sociopolitical measures that facilitate access to antiglaucoma medication, which prompts a better therapeutic compliance.