Author:

• Nilson do Rosario Costa - COSTA, NR - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Social Sciences - <nilson@ensp.fiocruz.br>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8360-4832

Thematic Area:

Não Categorizado

Abstract:

The article addresses the present configuration of Brazil´s health system (BHS) to face the austerity agenda. Although it is defined as comprising universal access e hegemonic funding, today BHS is under private sector hegemony.
Methodology: The discussion is based on health economics literature and health system expenditures typologies. The data are analyzed by descriptive statistics.
Results: Comparison between health expenditure indicators shows that public expenditure in Brazil has been lesser magnitude when compared with other countries. Out-of-pocket expenditures are high and that compromises equity. Private health insurance performs a pivotal role in provision and financing.
Discussion: On contrary of austerity beliefs, public expenditures could not be constrained because government has failed in provide appropriate services to the poor.
As the Constitution proposed no veto against the market operating in health sector, it is argued that private interests and health insurance industry have succeeded to imposing their preferences in decision-make arenas.

Keywords:

AusterityHealth insuranceDisbursementHealth planPublic expenditureNational Health System

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