Important negotiations are taking place between the Ministry of Social Security, led by Carlos Lope, and the Ministry of Health, under Nicia Trinidad. The goal is to take advantage of health records in the SUS (Unified Health System) to simplify the process of proving life for INSS (National Institute of Social Security) beneficiaries.
What does Carlos Lupe suggest?
Since January 2023, INSS has been responsible for verifying the existence and living situation of beneficiaries, using data from other federal entities to cross-reference information. Lupi proposes an innovative solution: using SUS records as a means of proof of life. “Any interaction between a beneficiary and the health care system, whether it is a vaccination or a consultation, can be automatically used to confirm their status with Social Security,” Luby explains.
What are the advantages of this integration?
This initiative will not only speed up the process, eliminating the need for travel and bureaucratic procedures for seniors, but will also encourage vaccination and use of health services. “In addition to making life easier for citizens, this strategy has the potential to increase vaccination coverage and the frequency of medical appointments, which represents a direct benefit to public health,” the Social Security Minister said.
A simplified guide to life: an innovative and technological approach
Using health data for proof of life is a growing trend in many parts of the world. Automating this process not only reduces the risk of fraud, but also reduces the operational burden on the National Institute for Social Security, allowing the institution to focus on improvements and the quality of service provided to citizens.
- Reducing operating costs: Less need for face-to-face services at INSS.
- Reducing the effort of beneficiaries: It prevents elderly people and people with mobility difficulties from having to travel to INSS offices.
- Automatic data update: Leverages existing healthcare systems to update information efficiently and securely.
This strategic alliance between the Ministries of Social Security and Health opens a new chapter in the way the government interacts with older people and vulnerable populations, ensuring rights and facilitating access in a firm and humane way.
The next step in implementing this change
Although this proposal is under implementation between ministries, technical and legal amendments are still necessary to fully implement it. It is expected that studies will be completed by the end of the year and changes to the proof-of-life process will begin to be implemented, with the expected benefit that until then there will be no ban or suspension of benefits due to lack of proof-of-life.
Moreover, this measure has the potential to serve as a model for other interactions between citizens and the state, ensuring the provision of more efficient services in line with the real needs of the population.
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.