Argentina widens debt refinancing as hospitals chase unpaid claims

Argentina's public and municipal lenders are expanding debt‑relief schemes for households. Banco Provincia launched the "Ponete al día" program, offering up to 72‑month refinancing with nominal rates between 31% and 50% and a fixed 39% rate for low‑income earners. The City of Buenos Aires regulated the Family and Personal Debt‑Relief Program, allowing a maximum 35% fixed annual rate and repayment periods of at least 24 months, with a 60‑day enrollment window starting 3 August. Morón municipality introduced a dedicated personal‑loan line for its municipal employees, featuring fixed‑quota payments, automatic salary‑deduction, and a digital application process via WhatsApp.

At the same time, Hospital San Bernardo in Salta announced legal action to recover more than 10 billion Argentine pesos owed by several health insurers for services rendered over 60 days past due. The hospital warned that, while emergency care will continue, it may suspend scheduled non‑emergency procedures for patients covered by delinquent insurers.

These measures reflect a broader push to alleviate household indebtedness while addressing unpaid obligations that strain public health resources.