The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has issued Decree No. 182 of 2026, which introduces new guidelines for health insurance operations with a territorial and population-based approach.
According to the decree, the goal is to implement different mechanisms aimed at ensuring equity, financial sustainability, and effective access to health services across the country. This is particularly focused on areas that are remote, marginalized, or have low population density. The decree also sets out rules for assigning affiliates during its implementation.
The new chapter applies to Health Promotion Entities (EPS), including Indigenous Health Promotion Entities (EPSI), the National Health Superintendency, and departmental and district Territorial Entities within their respective responsibilities.
To ensure equitable, continuous, and sustainable access to health insurance, the decree establishes that differential mechanisms for operating insurance with a territorial and population focus must follow national criteria as well as criteria based on departmental, district, and municipal categories.
Once the National Health Superintendency issues administrative acts updating the authorized territorial scope of EPS or their equivalents under this decree, both the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Administrator of Resources of the General System of Social Security in Health (ADRES) will carry out special assignment of affiliates to receiving EPS entities that continue operating in those authorized territories. This process must be completed within five business days after notification from the National Health Superintendency.
For further details about these changes, interested parties can consult the accompanying official document.
