Brasília – In a move that reshapes the debate over Brazil’s health-plan reform, House of Representatives’ President Hugo Motta removed representative Duarte Jr. (PSB–MA) from the rapporteur position of Bill No. 7.419/2006, which updates the country’s private health insurance legislation. Motta appointed representative Domingos Neto (PSD–CE), a member of the Centrão bloc, with the stated goal of unblocking the long-delayed proposal.

The decision follows months of tension between consumer-rights advocates and industry representatives. Duarte Jr., known for his pro-consumer stance and for calling for a parliamentary inquiry into unilateral cancellations by health plans, had proposed stricter rules on contract transparency and coverage denials. His replacement signals a shift in the political balance toward sectors seeking greater flexibility in the regulatory framework.

Motta’s strategy is to rebuild consensus among operators, regulators, and legislators to advance the bill, which has been under discussion for nearly two decades. The new rapporteur is expected to deliver a revised draft that may soften some consumer protection measures in an effort to secure broader support within the House of Representatives.

Source: Folha de S.Paulo

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