Dominican private clinics suspend services to over 1.4 million ARS members amid tariff dispute

The National Association of Private Clinics (Andeclip) announced the suspension of medical services for affiliates of ARS Primera and ARS Futuro, affecting more than 1.48 million people. The suspension, effective from 14 July, limits care to emergencies and intensive‑care units while the clinics press for tariff adjustments they say should match the 110 % inflation rate reported by the Central Bank. Clinic president Rafael Mena claimed the insurers have paid only 25‑30 % of the required increase, stating “Nos deben más de un 80 %.”

The Directorate of Information and Defence of Social Security Affiliates (DIDA) warned it will file a collective amparo and seek court orders to stop the halt, emphasizing that “Los conflictos entre las ARS y los prestadores de servicios de salud no pueden resolverse en detrimento de los afiliados.” DIDA also requested daily fines on the clinics if the suspension continues.

The Association of Social Security Affiliates (Asonafiss) blamed the Dominican Association of Health Risk Administrators (Adars) for the service interruption, accusing it of placing economic interests above patients’ rights. Andeclip criticized DIDA’s legal move, arguing that the dispute should be directed at the ARS themselves.

The conflict highlights a broader struggle over health‑sector financing in the Dominican Republic, with legal actions from both providers and regulators as they negotiate the tariff dispute.