CCSS evaluates pension reforms and faces transparency challenges

The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is evaluating several proposals to strengthen the Invalidity, Old Age, and Death (IVM) pension regime due to financial sustainability risks. One major proposal involves increasing the required number of contributions for retirement from 300 to 360, which would require citizens to work approximately five additional years. Another initiative under consideration involves reducing current and future monthly pensions by 5% to redirect those funds toward health insurance, as the IVM reserves could be exhausted by 2047.

Simultaneously, the Auditoría Ciudadana de la Seguridad Social (ACSS) has challenged the CCSS regarding the transparency of its financial reporting. The ACSS is requesting a detailed breakdown of income and expenses for the Health Insurance sector, categorized by insurance modality. The organization argues that the CCSS is improperly mixing mandatory social security funds with special law funds, asserting that the state should cover the health insurance deficit rather than relying on IVM contributions.