Historical evolution of mutual
The mutual societies that currently collaborate with Social Security in Spain have their roots in the first third of the twentieth century, but their function and structure have undergone significant changes over the years. These transformations have been influenced by various regulations that have marked their interaction with the state.
2014 reforms: a turning point
In 2014, during the administration of Mariano Rajoy, a reform was implemented that forced the mutuals to separate their private prevention operations to be able to operate as collaborating entities of the Social Security. This legislative decision banned the mutual decision to maintain functions related to other people’s prevention services, as well as participate in the capital of commercial companies dedicated to prevention.
The birth of new entities
As a result of this change, many mutual societies, such as Asepeyo and Fremap, were forced to create new companies, including Asyy and Premap, to be able to sell their prevention operations. Sale prices varied dramatically, with the smallest mutuals valued in hundreds of thousands of euros, while the largest could reach 17 million euros.
Supervisory problems
A report by the Spanish Court of Auditors, published in 2020, said that these transactions were carried out without proper Social Security supervision, which led to concern about the transparency of the process.
Irregularities and conflicts of interest
Among the irregularities identified by the court, it is worth noting that some health companies, such as Nueva Activa and Valora, were sold to managers of the same mutual societies at prices lower than the market. In addition, the lack of advertising in these sales limited the competition, with only five of the nineteen sold mutual people received.
Lucrative dreams
Initial sales were followed by reversal at much higher prices. For example, Asepeyo was sold for seven million euros to five executives, and a year later it was resolved for almost thirty million. This dynamic of revendes illustrates the connections between the mutual companies and private health companies.
Critics of the Minister of Labor
The Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, expressed concerns about the ‘revolving doors’ that exist between the mutual and private companies, emphasizing the need for more transparency and control in the management of these entities. His statement highlighted concerns about the integrity of operations within this sector.
Reflections on the future of mutual
Mutuals are at a crucial moment in their history, with the need to address the detected irregularities and restore public confidence. Its adaptation to a more regulated and transparent environment will be essential to guarantee effective and equitable health coverage for all employees.
