From health plan companies to international insurance companies: changes in the accumulation regime and repercussions on the healthcare system in Brazil.

The concentration and internationalization of health plan companies in Brazil gave them a clearly financial face. Based on the need to understand the health care industry's capital accumulation patterns, the current study examines health plan companies' expansion strategies through the classification of their supply and demand characteristics by recent historical periods and an analysis of recent shareholding trends in one of the leading corporations in the Brazilian health care industry. The 1960s to 2000s witnessed changes in the scale of demands for health plans and adherence by companies to long-term accumulation strategies. Beginning in the early 21st century, changes in the shareholding structures of the largest Brazilian company, consistent with the financialization of its accumulation regime, resulted in the rapid multiplication of its capital. Deepening segmentation of the health care system in a context marked by the downturn in the national economy challenges the preservation of public subsidies for private health plans. Resumo: A concentração e internacionalização de empresas de planos de saúde no Brasil conferiram-lhes feição financeira. Considerando a necessidade de compreender os padrões de acumulação desse setor, o trabalho examina estratégias de expansão das empresas de planos de saúde por meio da periodização de atributos da oferta e demanda e exame da trajetória patrimonial recente de um dos grandes grupos do setor. Entre os anos 1960 e 2000, ocorreram alterações na escala das demandas por planos de saúde e adesão das empresas a estratégias de acumulação de longo prazo. A partir do século XXI, as alterações nas estruturas societárias da maior empresa brasileira, compatíveis com o regime de acumulação financeirizada, resultaram na multiplicação de seu capital em um curto intervalo de tempo. O aprofundamento da segmentação do sistema de saúde, em um contexto marcado pela desaceleração da economia, questiona a preservação dos subsídios públicos para os planos privados.

[Variation in hospital performance according to payment sources in the states of São Paulo and do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Variação do desempenho hospitalar segundo fontes de pagamento nos estados de São Paulo e Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

In Brazil, the combined presence of public and private interests in financing and provision of healthcare services stands out clearly in hospital care. Financing arrangements adopted by hospitals (the public Brazilian Unified National Health System - SUS and/or health plans and/or out-of-pocket payment) can affect quality of care. Studies have analyzed the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR) in relation to quality improvements. The objective was to analyze HSMR according to source of payment for the hospitalization and the hospital's financing arrangement. The study analyzed secondary data and causes that accounted for 80% of hospital deaths. HSMR was calculated for each hospital and payment source. Hospitals with worse-than-expected performance (HSMR > 1) were mostly large public hospitals. HSMR was higher in the SUS, including between admissions in the hospital. Despite the study's limitations, the findings point to inequalities in results of care. Efforts are needed to improve the quality of hospital services, regardless of the payment sources.

[Hospital readmission rate and associated factors among health services enrollees in Colombia]. / Frecuencia de reingresos hospitalarios y factores asociados en afiliados a una administradora de servicios de salud en Colombia.

Hospital readmissions are common and expensive, and there is little information on the problem in Colombia. The objective was to determine the frequency of 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions and associated factors. This was a retrospective analytical cohort study of 64,969 hospitalizations from January 2008 to January 2009 in 47 Colombian cities. 6,573 hospital readmissions, prevalence: 10.1% (men 10.9%, women 9.5%), 44.7% > 65 years of age. Hospital readmissions was associated with higher mortality (5.8% vs. 1.8%). There was an increase in the Hospital readmissions rate in patients with diseases of the circulatory system. Hospital readmissions was more likely in hematological diseases and neoplasms. Mean length of stay during the first readmission was 7 days in patients that were readmitted and 4.5 in those without readmission. Greater total cost of hospital readmissions (USA 21,998,275): 15.8% of the total cost of hospitalizations. Higher prevalence rates in referred patients (18.8%) and patients from the outpatient clinic (13.7%). Hospital readmissions is common and is associated with longer length of hospital stay and higher mortality and cost. Increased risk of hospital readmissions in men > 65 years, patients referred from other institutions, and in hematological diseases and neoplasms.

From health plan companies to international insurance companies: changes in the accumulation regime and repercussions on the healthcare system in Brazil / De las empresas médicas a las aseguradoras internacionales: cambios en el régimen de acumulación y repercusiones sobre el sistema de salud en Brasil / Das empresas médicas às seguradoras internacionais: mudanças no regime de acumulação e repercussões sobre o sistema de saúde no Brasil

Abstract: The concentration and internationalization of health plan companies in Brazil gave them a clearly financial face. Based on the need to understand the health care industry's capital accumulation patterns, the current study examines health plan companies' expansion strategies through the classification of their supply and demand characteristics by recent historical periods and an analysis of recent shareholding trends in one of the leading corporations in the Brazilian health care industry. The 1960s to 2000s witnessed changes in the scale of demands for health plans and adherence by companies to long-term accumulation strategies. Beginning in the early 21st century, changes in the shareholding structures of the largest Brazilian company, consistent with the financialization of its accumulation regime, resulted in the rapid multiplication of its capital. Deepening segmentation of the health care system in a context marked by the downturn in the national economy challenges the preservation of public subsidies for private health plans.

Resumen: La concentración e internacionalización de empresas de planes de salud en Brasil les han conferido un carácter financiero. Considerando la necesidad de comprender los padrones de acumulación de ese sector, el trabajo examina estrategias de expansión de las empresas de planes de salud, mediante la periodización de atributos de oferta y demanda y el examen de la trayectoria patrimonial reciente de uno de los grandes grupos del sector. Entre los años 1960 y 2000, se produjeron alteraciones en la escala de las demandas por parte de planes de salud y una adhesión de las empresas a estrategias de acumulación a largo plazo. A partir del siglo XXI, las alteraciones en las estructuras societarias de la mayor empresa brasileña, compatibles con el régimen de acumulación de carácter financiero, resultaron en la multiplicación de su capital en un corto intervalo de tiempo. La profundización de la segmentación del sistema de salud, en un contexto marcado por la desaceleración de la economía, cuestiona la preservación de los subsidios públicos para los planes privados.

Resumo: A concentração e internacionalização de empresas de planos de saúde no Brasil conferiram-lhes feição financeira. Considerando a necessidade de compreender os padrões de acumulação desse setor, o trabalho examina estratégias de expansão das empresas de planos de saúde por meio da periodização de atributos da oferta e demanda e exame da trajetória patrimonial recente de um dos grandes grupos do setor. Entre os anos 1960 e 2000, ocorreram alterações na escala das demandas por planos de saúde e adesão das empresas a estratégias de acumulação de longo prazo. A partir do século XXI, as alterações nas estruturas societárias da maior empresa brasileira, compatíveis com o regime de acumulação financeirizada, resultaram na multiplicação de seu capital em um curto intervalo de tempo. O aprofundamento da segmentação do sistema de saúde, em um contexto marcado pela desaceleração da economia, questiona a preservação dos subsídios públicos para os planos privados.

Frecuencia de reingresos hospitalarios y factores asociados en afiliados a una administradora de servicios de salud en Colombia / Hospital readmission rate and associated factors among health services enrollees in Colombia / Frequência de readmissões e fatores associados em filiados a serviços de saúde na Colômbia

Resumen: Los reingresos hospitalarios son frecuentes y costosos, en Colombia existe poca información. El objetivo fue establecer la frecuencia de reingresos hospitalarios por cualquier causa a 30 días y factores asociados. Se trata de un estudio analítico con cohorte retrospectiva 64.969 hospitalizaciones entre enero de 2008 y enero de 2009 en 47 ciudades colombianas 6.573 reingresos hospitalarios, prevalencia: 10,1% (hombres 10,9%; mujeres 9,5%), 44,7% en > 65 años. Mortalidad mayor en reingresos hospitalarios (5,8% vs. 1,8%). Mayor carga de reingresos hospitalarios en grupo sistema circulatorio. Mayor probabilidad de reingresos hospitalarios en enfermedades hematológicas y neoplasias. Estancia hospitalaria promedio durante el primer ingreso: 7 días en pacientes que reingresaron y 4,5 en quienes no. Costo total mayor para reingresos hospitalarios (USD 21.998.275): 15,8% del costo total de hospitalizaciones. Mayor prevalencia en pacientes remitidos (18,8%) y de consulta externa (13,7%). Los reingresos hospitalarios son frecuentes, se asocian con mayor estancia, mortalidad y costo. Mayor riesgo de reingresos hospitalarios en sexo masculino, > 65 años, pacientes remitidos de otra institución, enfermedades hematológicas y neoplasias.

Abstract: Hospital readmissions are common and expensive, and there is little information on the problem in Colombia. The objective was to determine the frequency of 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions and associated factors. This was a retrospective analytical cohort study of 64,969 hospitalizations from January 2008 to January 2009 in 47 Colombian cities. 6,573 hospital readmissions, prevalence: 10.1% (men 10.9%, women 9.5%), 44.7% > 65 years of age. Hospital readmissions was associated with higher mortality (5.8% vs. 1.8%). There was an increase in the Hospital readmissions rate in patients with diseases of the circulatory system. Hospital readmissions was more likely in hematological diseases and neoplasms. Mean length of stay during the first readmission was 7 days in patients that were readmitted and 4.5 in those without readmission. Greater total cost of hospital readmissions (USA 21,998,275): 15.8% of the total cost of hospitalizations. Higher prevalence rates in referred patients (18.8%) and patients from the outpatient clinic (13.7%). Hospital readmissions is common and is associated with longer length of hospital stay and higher mortality and cost. Increased risk of hospital readmissions in men > 65 years, patients referred from other institutions, and in hematological diseases and neoplasms.

Resumo: Readmissões hospitalares são comuns e caras; na Colômbia há pouca informação. O objetivo foi determinar a frequência de readmissões hospitalares por qualquer causa aos 30 dias e fatores associados. Estudo analítico, coorte retrospectivo 64.969 hospitalizações entre janeiro de 2008 e janeiro de 2009 em 47 cidades colombianas. Seis mil quinhentos e setenta e três readmissões hospitalares, prevalência: 10,1% (homens 10,9%, mulheres 9,5%), 44,7% com > 65 anos. Maior mortalidade em readmissões hospitalares (5,8% vs. 1,8%). Aumento do número de readmissões hospitalares no grupo de sistema circulatório. Maior probabilidade de readmissões hospitalares em doenças hematológicas e neoplasias. Tempo médio de internação, durante a primeira readmissão: 7 dias em pacientes que foram readmitidos e 4,5 naqueles sem readmissão. Maior custo total de readmissões hospitalares (USD 21.998.275): 15,8% do custo total das internações. Maiores prevalências em pacientes encaminhados (18,8%) e pacientes do ambulatório (13,7%). Readmissões hospitalares são comuns, estão associadas com o maior tempo de hospitalização, mortalidade e custo. Aumento do risco de readmissões hospitalares em homens com > 65 anos, pacientes encaminhados de outras instituições, doenças hematológicas e neoplasias.

Variação do desempenho hospitalar segundo fontes de pagamento nos estados de São Paulo e Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Variation in hospital performance according to payment sources in the states of São Paulo and do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Variación del desempeño hospitalario según fuentes de pago en los estados de São Paulo y de Río Grande do Sul, Brasil

Resumo: No Brasil, a convivência público-privado no financiamento e na prestação do cuidado ganha nítidos contornos na assistência hospitalar. Os arranjos de financiamento adotados pelos hospitais (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS e/ou planos de saúde e/ou pagamento particular) podem afetar a qualidade do cuidado. Alguns estudos buscam associar a razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada (RMHP) a melhorias na qualidade. O objetivo foi analisar a RMHP segundo fonte de pagamento da internação e arranjo de financiamento do hospital. Analisaram-se dados secundários e causas responsáveis por 80% dos óbitos hospitalares. A RMHP foi calculada para cada hospital e fonte de pagamento. Hospitais com desempenho pior que o esperado (RMHP > 1) foram majoritariamente públicos de maior porte. A RMHP nas internações SUS foi superior, inclusive entre internações no mesmo hospital. Apesar dos limites, os achados indicam iniquidades no resultado do cuidado. Esforços voltados para a melhoria da qualidade de serviços hospitalares, independentemente das fontes de pagamento, são prementes.

Abstract: In Brazil, the combined presence of public and private interests in financing and provision of healthcare services stands out clearly in hospital care. Financing arrangements adopted by hospitals (the public Brazilian Unified National Health System - SUS and/or health plans and/or out-of-pocket payment) can affect quality of care. Studies have analyzed the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR) in relation to quality improvements. The objective was to analyze HSMR according to source of payment for the hospitalization and the hospital's financing arrangement. The study analyzed secondary data and causes that accounted for 80% of hospital deaths. HSMR was calculated for each hospital and payment source. Hospitals with worse-than-expected performance (HSMR > 1) were mostly large public hospitals. HSMR was higher in the SUS, including between admissions in the hospital. Despite the study's limitations, the findings point to inequalities in results of care. Efforts are needed to improve the quality of hospital services, regardless of the payment sources.

Resumen: En Brasil, la convivencia público-privada en la financiación y en la prestación del cuidado empieza a definirse nítidamente en la asistencia hospitalaria. Los acuerdos de financiación adoptados por los hospitales (Sistema Único de Salud - SUS y/o planes de salud y/o pago particular) pueden afectar a la calidad del cuidado. Algunos estudios buscan asociar la razón de mortalidad hospitalaria padronizada (RMHP) a mejorías en la calidad. El objetivo fue analizar la RMHP según la fuente de pago del internamiento y acuerdos de financiación del hospital. Se analizaron datos secundarios y causas responsables de un 80% de los óbitos hospitalarios. La RMHP se calculó para cada hospital y fuente de pago. Los hospitales con un desempeño peor que el esperado (RMHP > 1) fueron mayoritariamente públicos y con un mayor número de pacientes. La RMHP en los internamientos SUS fue superior, incluyendo internamientos en el mismo hospital. A pesar de los límites, los hallazgos indican inequidades en el resultado del cuidado. Son necesarios esfuerzos dirigidos a la mejoría de la calidad de servicios hospitalarios, independientemente de las fuentes de pago de los mismos.

A saúde suplementar em perspectiva bioética / Supplemental care from a bioethical perspective

OBJETIVO: Descrever e analisar, mediante a perspectiva da Bioética de Intervenção, os contextos legal, institucional e ético, os conflitos e a regulamentação da saúde suplementar no Brasil, desde a aprovação da lei em 1998 até 2010. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, utilizando a Bioética de Intervenção como referencial teórico. Estudo bibliográfico e documental da legislação, regulamentação e quadro assistencial, além de entrevistas com membros da Câmara de Saúde Suplementar RESULTADOS: Houve melhora dos registros e regras de atuação das empresas, do fluxo de informação e das garantias contratuais e financeiras aos consumidores. Persistem conflitos no acesso aos serviços e procedimentos, reajustes de mensalidades, políticas sobre autonomia e honorários médicos. Há disputa com o setor público pela rede de serviços de saúde, com aumento dos custos e não melhoria na qualidade da assistência. DISCUSSÃO: A participação privada na saúde demanda avaliações comparativas e aperfeiçoamento da regulação público-privada na assistência, assim como promoção de maior equilíbrio no financiamento e reavaliação do modelo de atenção à saúde CONCLUSÃO: Necessidade de revisão do marco regulatório considerando o caráter suplementar, complementar ou duplicativo da assistência, os atores sociais envolvidos, as questões bioéticas e políticas nas relações entre Saúde Suplementar e Sistema Único de Saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze, from the perspective of Intervention Bioethics, the legal, institutional and ethical contexts, the conflicts and regulations of supplemental health care in Brazil, since the approval of the regulatory law in 1998 until 2010. METHODS: Qualitative research, using Intervention Bioethics as the theoretical reference. Bibliographical and documental study of the legislation, regulations and assistential framework, as well as interviews with members of the Supplemental Health Board. RESULTS:There was improvement in the records and rules of action in private health companies, as well as flow of information, contractual and financial guarantees provided to consumers. Conflicts persist regarding access to services and procedures, price increases, policies on autonomy and medical fees. There is a dispute with the public sector regarding the network of health services, with rising costs and no improvement in quality of care. DISCUSSION: Private participation in health demands comparative assessments and improvement of public-private care regulation, as well as promoting greater balance in the funding and reevaluation of the health care model. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to review the regulatory framework considering the supplementary, complementary or duplicate characteristic of assistance, the social actors involved, bioethical and political issues regarding associations between Supplemental Health Care and the National Health System (SUS).

Supplemental care from a bioethical perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze, from the perspective of Intervention Bioethics, the legal, institutional and ethical contexts, the conflicts and regulations of supplemental health care in Brazil, since the approval of the regulatory law in 1998 until 2010. METHODS: Qualitative research, using Intervention Bioethics as the theoretical reference. Bibliographical and documental study of the legislation, regulations and assistential framework, as well as interviews with members of the Supplemental Health Board. RESULTS: There was improvement in the records and rules of action in private health companies, as well as flow of information, contractual and financial guarantees provided to consumers. Conflicts persist regarding access to services and procedures, price increases, policies on autonomy and medical fees. There is a dispute with the public sector regarding the network of health services, with rising costs and no improvement in quality of care. DISCUSSION: Private participation in health demands comparative assessments and improvement of public-private care regulation, as well as promoting greater balance in the funding and reevaluation of the health care model. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to review the regulatory framework considering the supplementary, complementary or duplicate characteristic of assistance, the social actors involved, bioethical and political issues regarding associations between Supplemental Health Care and the National Health System (SUS).

Can we trust measures of healthcare utilization from household surveys?

BACKGROUND: The research community relies heavily on measures of healthcare utilization from household surveys to understand health seeking choices and to evaluate interventions in developing countries. Such measures are known to suffer from recall problems but there is limited evidence of whether the method of data collection affects evaluation findings. We compared the results of a randomized trial of free healthcare using utilization data from two sources. METHODS: Data are from a study in Ghana, in which 2,194 households containing 2,592 children under 5 y old were randomized into a prepayment scheme providing free primary and some referral care, or to a control group whose families paid user fees for healthcare. Data on morbidity and health seeking behaviour were collected using a standard household survey administered at endline and a pictorial diary given to households over a six month period, collected at monthly intervals. RESULTS: Self-reported measures of morbidity and healthcare utilization were substantially lower in the household survey than the pictorial diary when the recall period was over a month. Introducing free healthcare had a positive effect on primary care visits based on the pictorial diary and a non-significant negative effect according to the household survey. Using any clinic visit in the past month as the outcome, the difference in the effect of free care between the two data collection methods was 3.6 percentage points (p = 0.078). CONCLUSIONS: The findings raise methodological concerns about measures of healthcare utilization from household surveys, particularly in the evaluation of health financing interventions.

National and state trends in enrollment and spending for dual eligibles under age 65 in Medicaid managed care.

BACKGROUND: To reduce costs and improve care, states are increasingly enrolling individuals with disabilities in Medicaid managed care. Many states allow or require adults who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare to enroll in these plans. OBJECTIVE: This study (1) quantifies changes in enrollment by managed care arrangement for duals under age 65, between 2005 and 2008 and (2) compares enrollment and spending between dual eligibles and Medicaid-only beneficiaries. METHODS: We used Medicaid Analytic eXtract data to compare the Medicaid enrollment and spending for all-year, full-benefit dual eligibles ages 21-64 with that of Medicaid-only Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and disabled beneficiaries. The study population was classified into 9 types of managed care to quantify enrollment and calculate expenditures by year. RESULTS: Nationwide, the proportion of adult duals in managed care increased from 2005 to 2008, with the expansion of prepaid health plans (PHPs) (31.0%-46.6%), particularly behavioral health PHPs, driving the increase. In 2008, Medicaid-only disabled adults were three times as likely as dual adults to enroll in comprehensive managed care (CMC) (35.1% versus 11.7%). Average Medicaid expenditures per enrollee differed markedly by managed care arrangement and state. CONCLUSIONS: From 2005 to 2008, there was little expansion of CMC among adult duals, while the use of PHPs to cover carved out services increased greatly. New federal initiatives aim to reduce barriers to enrolling duals into comprehensive, integrated managed care. With expanded enrollment, it will be important to monitor enrollment and evaluate whether integration improves care.

Gastos com saúde das famílias brasileiras residentes em regiões metropolitanas: composição e evolução no período 1995-2009 / Healthcare expenses of Brazilian families living in metropolitan areas: composition and trends during the period from 1995 to 2009

Os gastos privados representam parcela relevante do gasto total com saúde no Brasil. Com o objetivo de descrever a composição e a evolução desses gastos entre famílias brasileiras residentes em regiões metropolitanas, foram estudadas as Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) de 1995-1996, 2002-2003 e 2008-2009. Para a comparação dos dados entre as POF, as categorias de gasto foram compatibilizadas e os valores corrigidos pelo Índice de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo (IPCA). No período 1995-2009, os gastos médios das famílias com saúde apresentaram redução de R$ 194,68 para R$ 179,01. Os componentes que contribuíram para a redução foram tratamento dentário, consultas médicas e outros gastos com saúde. Os planos de saúde foram o componente que apresentou o maior incremento em sua participação em relação ao gasto total, de 29% para 44% e maior elevação do gasto médio, de R$ 56,50 para R$ 78,62. A redução do gasto médio com saúde ocorreu principalmente entre famílias de menor renda, uma vez que entre aquelas com maior renda, os valores permaneceram estáveis. O gasto com saúde das famílias se tornou menos regressivo, uma vez que as famílias de menor renda passaram a comprometer menor parte de sua renda com esses gastos, enquanto para as famílias de maior renda, observou-se o inverso.

Private health insurance plans represent a significant proportion of total health spending in Brazil. In order to establish the evolution and composition of spending on health among families living in metropolitan areas, Family Budget Research findings conducted in 1995-1996, 2002-2003, and 2008-2009 were studied. The categories of spending were standardized and values were adjusted by the Broad Consumer Price Index in order to compare the findings. In the period from 1995 to 2009, average family spending on health fell from R$ 194.68 to R$ 179.01. The components that most contributed to the reduction were dental care, medical consultations and other spending on health. Private health insurance was the component with the greatest increase in participation in relation to total spending - from 29% to 44% - and the highest increase in average spending, from R$ 56.50 to R$ 78.62. The reduction of average spending on health occurred mainly among lower income families, whereas these figures remained stable among families with higher incomes. Family health spending became less regressive, since lower income families began to commit a lower proportion of their income for these expenses, while the opposite was observed in families with higher incomes.

[Evaluation of health service providers by consumers through the Analytic Hierarchy Process Method]. / Avaliação de operadoras de saúde por usuários pelo método Analytic Hierarchy Process.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of services offered by health service providers, according to the perception of consumers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 360 consumers from seven health service providers in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, PR, in 2008, was performed. An individual questionnaire measuring the consumers' preferences in relation to six attributes (location of service points; effectiveness of doctors, clinics and hospitals; promptness and kindness when caring for patients and family members; ease of access to the authorization forms for consultations; price; diversity of available doctors, clinics and hospitals) for each one of the analyzed health service providers was carried out. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple criteria tool for decision analysis and planning, was used to analyze the responses. RESULTS: The attribute most valued by the consumers was "price". The companies were grouped into two sets, regarding the mentioned attributes: two had lower preference (between 19% and 23%) and five, higher preference (around 10% each). CONCLUSIONS: With this type of research, health service providers could reshape their structures, processes, prices and accredited networks, in order to improve their market strategy.

Avaliação de operadoras de saúde por usuários pelo método Analytic Hierarchy Process / Evaluation of health service providers by consumers through the Analytic Hierarchy Process Method / Evaluación de operadoras de salud por usuarios por el método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

OBJETIVO: Analisar a qualidade dos serviços oferecidos por empresas operadoras de planos de saúde, segundo a percepção de usuários. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 360 usuários de sete operadoras de planos de saúde da cidade de Curitiba, PR, e região metropolitana em 2008. Foi aplicado questionário sobre as preferências dos usuários em relação a seis atributos (localização dos pontos de atendimento; efetividade da ação dos médicos, clínicas e hospitais; rapidez e amabilidade no atendimento; facilidade na liberação de guias; preço; abrangência da rede credenciada) de cada uma das empresas operadoras. Para a análise das respostas foi utilizado o método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP, ou Processo Analítico de Hierarquia), ferramenta de análise de decisão e planejamento de múltiplos critérios. RESULTADOS: O atributo mais valorizado pelos usuários foi "preço". As empresas foram agrupadas em dois conjuntos de preferências em relação aos atributos: dos sete planos de saúde, dois apresentaram menor preferência (entre 23% e 19%) e cinco, maior preferência (em torno de 10%). CONCLUSÕES: Com esse tipo de pesquisa, as empresas operadoras de planos de saúde poderiam reformular suas estruturas, processos, preços e redes credenciadas com o objetivo de melhorar seu posicionamento no mercado.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of services offered by health service providers, according to the perception of consumers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 360 consumers from seven health service providers in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, PR, in 2008, was performed. An individual questionnaire measuring the consumers' preferences in relation to six attributes (location of service points; effectiveness of doctors, clinics and hospitals; promptness and kindness when caring for patients and family members; ease of access to the authorization forms for consultations; price; diversity of available doctors, clinics and hospitals) for each one of the analyzed health service providers was carried out. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple criteria tool for decision analysis and planning, was used to analyze the responses. RESULTS: The attribute most valued by the consumers was "price". The companies were grouped into two sets, regarding the mentioned attributes: two had lower preference (between 19% and 23%) and five, higher preference (around 10% each). CONCLUSIONS: With this type of research, health service providers could reshape their structures, processes, prices and accredited networks, in order to improve their market strategy.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la calidad de los servicios ofrecidos por empresas operadoras de seguros de salud, según la percepción de usuarios. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 360 usuarios de siete operadoras de seguros de salud de la ciudad de Curitiba, Sur de Brasil, y región metropolitana en 2008. Se aplicó cuestionario sobre las preferencias de los usuarios con relación a seis atributos (localización de los puntos de atención; efectividad de la acción de los médicos, clínicas y hospitales; rapidez y amabilidad en la atención, facilidad en la liberación de documentos de aprobación, precio; alcance de la red acreditada) de cada una de las empresas operadoras. Para el análisis de las respuestas fue utilizado el método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP, o Proceso Analítico de Jerarquía), herramienta de análisis de decisión y planificación de múltiples criterios. RESULTADOS: El atributo más valorizado por los usuarios fue "precio". Las empresas fueron agrupadas en dos conjuntos de preferencias con relación a los atributos: de los siete seguros de salud, dos presentaron menor preferencia (entre 23% y 19%) y cinco, mayor preferencia (en torno de 10%). CONCLUSIONES: Con este tipo de investigación, las empresas operadoras de seguros de salud podrían reformular sus estructuras, procesos, precios y redes acreditadas con el objetivo de mejorar su posicionamiento en el mercado.

[Labor market structure and access to private health insurance in Brazil]. / A relação entre estrutura ocupacional e acesso a plano de saúde no Brasil: uma análise para 1998 e 2003.

This paper aims to describe health insurance coverage among different types of workers in Brazil. Health insurance coverage and labor market insertion are used to define homogeneous groups of workers. The Grade of Membership method is used to build a typology of workers. The database was the Brazilian National Household Survey (PNAD) for 1998 and 2003, including a health survey. Five worker profiles were defined. The key variables were: health insurance coverage, schooling, and work status. The main findings show a positive association between health insurance coverage, income from work, and trade union membership.

A relação entre estrutura ocupacional e acesso a plano de saúde no Brasil: uma análise para 1998 e 2003 / Labor market structure and access to private health insurance in Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar a cobertura de planos privados de saúde segundo a inserção dos indivíduos no mercado de trabalho brasileiro. Considerando as informações sobre status de cobertura de plano de saúde e inserção no mercado de trabalho, foram definidos grupos homogêneos de trabalhadores. Para construção da tipologia, recorre-se ao método Grade of Membership (GoM) - ou Grau de Pertencimento, utilizando a Pesquisa Nacional de Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) referente aos anos de 1998 e 2003, que apresentam suplemento de saúde. Cinco perfis de indivíduos foram definidos. As variáveis-chave para denominação dos grupos são: grau de cobertura de planos de saúde, condição de atividade e escolaridade do indivíduo. Os achados revelam relação positiva entre cobertura de plano, rendimento do trabalho e, em alguma medida, sindicalização.

This paper aims to describe health insurance coverage among different types of workers in Brazil. Health insurance coverage and labor market insertion are used to define homogeneous groups of workers. The Grade of Membership method is used to build a typology of workers. The database was the Brazilian National Household Survey (PNAD) for 1998 and 2003, including a health survey. Five worker profiles were defined. The key variables were: health insurance coverage, schooling, and work status. The main findings show a positive association between health insurance coverage, income from work, and trade union membership.

Financial health and customer satisfaction in private health care providers in Brazil.

This paper analyzes the relationship between the financial health and organizational form of private health care providers in Brazil. It also examines the major determinants of customer satisfaction associated with the provider's organizational form. An adjusted Altman's z-score is used as an indicator of financial health. A proxy variable based on customer complaints filed at the Brazilian National Agency for Supplementary Health is used as an indicator for customer satisfaction. The study uses a sample of 270 private health care providers and their operations over the period 2003-2005. Panel data analysis includes control variables related to market, operations, and management. Principal results indicate that: (1) private health care providers benefit from economies of scale; (2) self-funded health plans have better financial health; (3) spending on marketing does not have a significant impact on customer satisfaction in Brazil; (4) weak empirical evidence exists showing that good financial performance enhances customer's satisfaction.

Financial health and customer satisfaction in private health care providers in Brazil / Desempenho financeiro e satisfação do consumidor das operadoras de saúde suplementar no Brasil

This paper analyzes the relationship between the financial health and organizational form of private health care providers in Brazil. It also examines the major determinants of customer satisfaction associated with the provider's organ-izational form. An adjusted Altman's z-score is used as an indicator of financial health. A proxy variable based on customer complaints filed at the Brazilian National Agency for Supplementary Health is used as an indicator for customer satisfaction. The study uses a sample of 270 private health care providers and their operations over the period 2003-2005. Panel data analysis includes control variables related to market, operations, and management. Principal results indicate that: (1) private health care providers benefit from economies of scale; (2) self-funded health plans have better financial health; (3) spending on marketing does not have a signif-icant impact on customer satisfaction in Brazil; (4) weak empirical evidence exists showing that good financial performance enhances customer's satisfaction.

Este artigo analisa a situação financeira das operadoras de saúde suplementar no Brasil, de acordo com a modalidade de gestão. Adicionalmente, examina os principais determinantes para a satisfação do consumidor desses serviços. Como indicador principal de saúde financeira, utiliza-se uma versão adaptada do z-score de Altman. A proxy para satisfação do consumidor é o nível de reclamações fundamentadas registradas junto à Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar. Utilizamos uma amostra de 270 operadoras de saúde suplementar para o período 2003-2005, e regressões de dados em painel, com variáveis de controle de mercado, operacionais e de gestão. Os resultados principais indicam que (1) as operadoras de saúde se beneficiam de economias de escala; (2) as empresas que operam no modelo de autogestão têm situação financeira melhor que as demais; (3) as despesas com marketing não impactam a satisfação dos consumidores dos planos de saúde; (4) finalmente, encontra-se também alguma evidência empírica indicando que a boa situação financeira implica maior satisfação do consumidor.

[Supplementary health care regulation and age structure of beneficiaries]. / Regulação da saúde suplementar e estrutura etária dos beneficiários.

The paper exposes the changes in rules of price readjustment of health plans by age thresholds and demographic changes observed between 1998 and 2008. By calculating aging indicators and building population pyramids, it assesses whether the demographic changes coupled with the regulation caused any alteration in young people subscribing to supplementary healthcare plans. The indicators reveal the aging trend of beneficiaries of health plans, especially among those contracted individually, and also that this has not resulted in young people quitting supplementary healthcare plans.