Unexpected Health Plan Costs Cause concern for Cemig Saúde PSI Beneficiaries
Belo Horizonte, Brazil – Manny beneficiaries of the Cemig saúde PSI health plan are facing unexpectedly high deductions from their paychecks this September, stemming from retroactive adjustments and collective bargaining contributions. The situation has sparked confusion and anxiety among workers and their families, prompting explanations from Cemig Saúde officials and ongoing advocacy from labor unions.
The core of the issue lies in a 60.5% readjustment to the PSI plan that was not fully applied between June and August of this year. Beneficiaries are now seeing these accumulated amounts, plus the current month’s adjusted installment, deducted from their September paychecks. For example,a plan holder earning $10,000 with dependents could face a total deduction exceeding $3,800,encompassing retroactive charges for the holder,special dependents,and complementary contributions.
Beyond the readjustment,workers are also responsible for 20% of the employer’s contribution,as determined by recent collective bargaining agreements. While seemingly a smaller amount, this additional charge is further impacting household budgets.
Cemig Saúde’s DRB, Edvaldo Pereira, has addressed the concerns, urging beneficiaries to understand the charges. Those whose paycheck deductions don’t cover the full amount will receive a boleto (slip) for the remaining balance, due on October 15, 2025.
Beneficiaries facing a boleto have installment options, but must adhere to specific rules:
* Any outstanding boletos must be paid concurrently with new installments.
* Opening new installments requires payment of 50% of previously issued installments.
* Delays exceeding 60 days could result in exclusion from the health plan.
Confusion surrounding the terminology used on paychecks and boletos has also been reported. Key terms clarified include:
* holder: The primary beneficiary – the worker, assisted individual, or pensioner maintaining the plan.
* With Dependent (CO): Beneficiaries with direct dependents, such as spouses and children under 24.
* MA (previous month): Represents retroactive charges – amounts from previous months that were not initially paid or were later readjusted.
* Special Dependent: Includes children over 24, grandchildren of any age, and parents.
* Over 59 years: Indicates the age of a dependent, influencing the monthly fee due to increased healthcare needs.
Labor unions, including Sindielectro, are actively defending beneficiaries, providing guidance and demanding changes to the PSI costing model. They argue the current system is becoming unsustainable for many workers, creating financial insecurity and increasing the risk of plan exclusion. The unions are committed to ensuring all beneficiaries maintain access to healthcare.
