Unimed do Brasil to Take Over Care for Unimed Ferj Clients on Dec. 1

Overview

• The ANS announced the agreement after a tense, nearly four-hour meeting in Rio with Unimed do Brasil, Unimed Ferj, the state and federal prosecutors, and the Rio state public defender's office.
• Starting December 1, Unimed do Brasil will assume full responsibility for assistance to all Unimed Ferj beneficiaries, according to the regulator.
• ANS chief Wadih Damous said the priority is to reestablish full service for users, following interruptions that included cancer treatments.
• Authorities have not detailed how the migration will work, leaving unanswered questions about new membership cards, provider networks, coverage conditions, and monthly premiums.
• The decision follows Procon-RJ inspections that found 'chaos' at an oncology unit and ANS placing Unimed Ferj under special technical management on September 5; Ferj’s book includes about 396,000 beneficiaries nationwide.