# Disability and health welfare developments in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/disability-and-health-welfare-developments-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-10-21T18:57:35.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

Developments regarding social welfare and health rights have emerged across South America. In Bolivia, advocacy groups from the Nueva Esperanza organization have called for an increase in the monthly allowance for individuals with severe or very severe disabilities, noting that the current 250 bolivianos benefit has been stagnant since 2016. 

In response to medical accessibility needs, President Rodrigo Paz promulgated Law No. 1780. This law guarantees solidarity air travel for patients with cancer, terminal illnesses, or critical conditions requiring specialized medical treatment in different cities. The mandate applies to both national and international flights via public and private airlines. Beneficiaries are entitled to one companion, or two if the patient is a minor, provided they present a medical certificate from a specialized hospital. While the airfare is covered, patients remain responsible for additional taxes, such as the Air Exit Tax (ISAE). To support the aviation industry, the state will implement an economic compensation mechanism allowing airlines to deduct the cost of these tickets from their Corporate Income Tax (IUE). Airlines are legally obligated to reserve necessary space and are prohibited from unjustifiably delaying ticket issuance.

In Argentina, the Ministry of Health implemented a 1.90% tariff increase for the Basic Benefits System for Persons with Disabilities in October 2026, including a 20% surcharge for services in Patagonian provinces. Meanwhile, in Peru, the Ministry of Health reported that persons with disabilities comprise 1.22% of its workforce as of September 2026.

## Claims

- Bolivia's Law 1780 provides airfare for patients with cancer or terminal illnesses. (single source)
- Bolivian law allows up to two companions for minor patients traveling for medical reasons. (single source)
- Spain's Law 4/2026 mandates that mental health interventions be based on free and informed consent. (single source)
- Spain's new dependency law reduces the maximum administrative resolution time to three months. (single source)
- The Spanish dependency reform allows friends or neighbors to be recognized as caregivers. (single source)
- Economic benefits linked to the new Spanish housing support service are exempt from IRPF. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Bolivia enacts law for solidarity air travel for critical patients

Bolivia has passed Law 1780, providing subsidized or free air travel for cancer and critical patients and their companions to access specialized medical care.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/various-health-and-social-welfare-laws-take-effect-in-bolivia-spain-and-internationally

### 2026-10-15: Disability rights and support updates in Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru

Disability support and inclusion updates: Bolivia advocates for higher monthly allowances, Argentina increases disability benefit tariffs by 1.90%, and Peru reports 1.22% disability employment at MINSA.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disability-rights-and-support-updates-in-bolivia-argentina-and-peru

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Cite as: Disability and health welfare developments in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/disability-and-health-welfare-developments-in-south-america