Caja de Seguro Social requests $8,507 million budget for 2027

The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) has presented a budget request of $8,507 million for 2027 to the National Assembly's Budget Commission in Panama. This figure represents a $296 million increase over the previous budget and accounts for 24% of the proposed General State Budget.

CSS Director General Dino Mon reported that the institution faces rising costs for economic benefits, projecting an additional $205 million in payments for 2027. Approximately 96% of this increase is attributed to the Invalidity, Old Age, and Death (IVM) program. To offset these mandatory costs, the administration aims to improve administrative efficiency and optimize health service resources.

Additionally, Mon highlighted workforce challenges, noting that more than 6,000 employees are aged 65 or older. While he denied the existence of “botellas” (unproductive employees), he acknowledged the presence of “calienta bancas” (inactive staff). He stated that the CSS needs to create incentives for retirement to improve the institution's structure, noting that any staff reductions must follow due process.