“Para establecer la “Ley de Atención durante Declaraciones de Emergencias de Salud o Epidemias de Puerto Rico”, con el propósito de disponer que, ante una declaración de emergencia decretada en Puerto Rico, por motivos de salud o epidemia, todo cuidado médico, estudios, análisis, diagnóstico y tratamientos para combatir esta, serán ofrecidos sin costo alguno para la ciudadanía; enmendar los artículos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 y 6 de la Ley 43-2020, conocida como “Ley para Combatir el COVID-19”, a los fines de atemperarla con las disposiciones de esta Ley; facultar al Gobernador de Puerto Rico a modificar los beneficios a los que se hace referencia en los artículos 2, 3 y 4 de esta Ley; derogar la Ley Núm. 157 de 10 de mayo de 1938; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill makes all emergency health care free during declared epidemics; grants Governor power to modify benefits; lacks specified funding source.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1187 would establish a "Law for Care During Health or Epidemic Emergencies in Puerto Rico" that makes all medical care, tests, analyses, diagnoses, and treatments related to declared health emergencies or epidemics free for all citizens. The bill would amend the existing COVID-19 law (Law 43-2020) to align with these provisions and grant the Governor authority to modify covered benefits.

Why is this important

During health emergencies, financial barriers to medical care can delay treatment, worsen outcomes, and allow diseases to spread more rapidly through populations with limited resources. This legislation directly addresses equity concerns by removing cost as an obstacle to emergency care access during epidemics, which particularly affects vulnerable populations. However, the fiscal implications are significant—the bill requires clarification on how Puerto Rico's healthcare system and budget will sustain free universal emergency care.

Potential points of contention

Fiscal sustainability: No funding mechanism is specified; unclear how Puerto Rico would finance universal free emergency care given existing budget constraints and healthcare system challenges

Scope and definition: The bill grants the Governor broad discretion to "modify benefits," which could allow narrowing of coverage and raises questions about what qualifies as emergency-related treatment

Implementation capacity: Puerto Rico's healthcare infrastructure may face operational challenges rapidly mobilizing to provide free care at scale during actual emergencies