Carlos Díaz Vélez, president of Puerto Rico's College of Surgeons and Physicians (Colegio de Médicos Cirujanos de Puerto Rico), said during an appearance on Normando en la Mañana that the institution has begun lobbying Congress to prevent federal Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico from dropping from 76% to 55% in 2027. He asked that Puerto Rico permanently receive the 83% match given to other U.S. territories.
one does not govern with immaturity, one governs for everyone
Díaz Vélez spoke at a forum on the issue convened by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. He formed a committee with former Health Secretary Carlos Mellado and former Medicaid director Dinora Collazo, both of whom took part in Medicaid funding negotiations five years ago.
Díaz Vélez warned that without Congressional action, Puerto Rico's government would have to cover the remaining 45% without adequate funds, which would paralyze treatments, remove patients from the Plan Vital health program, cut provider rates, push doctors to retire early or leave the island, and continue hospital closures. Asked whether he was coordinating with the government's own committee, Díaz Vélez said Governor Jenniffer González Colón does not invite the College to her efforts, adding: "with immaturity you don't govern... you govern for everyone."