According to data from the National Agency for Supplementary Health (ANS), more than 80% of health insurance policies in Brazil are collective, and these insurance plans, which do not have fixed adjustment limits, recorded a significant increase throughout 2025. Increasing values are putting pressure on businesses and users, raising concerns about accessibility and predictability of costs. Consumers report difficulty comparing increases and understanding the standards that businesses apply.
ANS President Wadi Damous declared this in a newspaper interview. the globeIf negotiations with operators do not progress, the agency has said it may create new rules. Potential regulatory intervention comes amid dialogue with industry regarding transparency and realignment methodologies. Operators say the adjustments reflect aid and contract costs, but beneficiary representatives want a mechanism to limit unexpected payments to monthly payments.
He is a lawyer and a postdoctoral researcher in health law. Dr. Graciela Thiessen They point out that consumer protection depends on stronger regulation and clearer readjustment rules, in addition to expanding individual plan offerings. The lawyer said that disclosing the formula and factors that affect pay increases would make it easier for users to monitor and make decisions.
In June 2025, ANS defined relevant parameters on this topic. This document provides guidelines for calculation methods, transparency requirements from operators, and communication to beneficiaries.
Given this scenario, consumers can consult their operators to obtain further information regarding adjustments and follow announcements from the ANS. Expanding the offer of individual plans combined with clearer rules could be considered as an alternative to reduce reliance on collective contracts and increase competition in the market. The coming months will be decisive in regulatory developments and negotiations between regulators and industry.
Therefore, attorneys recommend that beneficiaries request access to contracts, statements of previous adjustments, and technical details justifying increases in order to identify and challenge adjustments that are deemed irregular. For individual plans, an increase of more than 6.06% in the current period (May 2025 to April 2026) must be treated as abnormal by the ANS. In collective contracts, the lack of detailed technical justification can lead to challenges being raised in court or through intermediary channels with government agencies.
The National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS) provides an official channel for registering complaints about adjustments that are considered unfair. Beneficiaries can request the agency’s mediation through a Notice of Pre-Intermediation (NIP) to allow the operator to provide justifiable reasons and correct the charges if necessary. The process is free and can be initiated by dialing ANS (0800 701 9656) or via the Authority’s electronic portal.
Here’s what health insurance consumers can do to protect themselves, according to lawyers: Dr. Graciela Thiessentightening regulations, clarifying readjustment rules, and expanding the provision of individual plans.
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