Gestor bibliográfico Crisis y Salud

Strategies to destroy the welfare state are inspired by the American social model, in which poverty is a consequence of idleness and never misfortune.1 Such strategies have reached Spain.2 Last month, under the pretext of trying to save money on healthcare, the Spanish conservative government approved a royal decree law (a legislative instrument for use only in emergencies) that radically undermines the foundations of the national health system.3 Under the General Health Law 1986, the Spanish health system changed from being funded through contributions from affiliated members to social security bodies (the Bismarckian model) to a universal system financed through taxes and free at the point of delivery. This law recognised the right to health protection and healthcare of all Spanish citizens, as well as foreigners with established residence in the country. The new royal decree law, however, substantially modifies the right of people to receive healthcare in Spain; a person is no longer called a citizen but “the insured,” which is clearly defined.