Colombia's health insurers face massive debt, prompting service suspensions and system crisis

The private health provider NP Medical (IPS) announced it will suspend services for the affiliates of Famisanar EPS and Asmet Salud EPS, citing unpaid debts exceeding 14 trillion Colombian pesos. The debt owed by Famisanar alone tops 10.92 trillion pesos, while Asmet Salud owes more than 3.20 trillion pesos. NP Medical warned that the lack of payments threatens its financial stability and the continuity of specialized programs such as mental health and substance‑dependence treatment.

Separately, Nueva EPS disclosed severe financial distress, reporting 2023 losses of about 6.6 trillion pesos and liabilities surpassing 12 trillion pesos, leaving the entity with negative equity. The audit of its 2024 accounts was delayed, and analysts pointed to systemic issues in Colombia’s health‑care model, including insufficient capitation payments (UPC) and longstanding administrative challenges. The combined problems underscore a broader crisis in the Colombian health‑insurance system, raising concerns for millions of users and the sustainability of health services nationwide.