Colombia creates direct credit line for EPS to settle health provider debts

The Colombian government has established a direct credit line, via Resolution 002445, to help Health Promoting Entities (EPS) pay pending debts to hospitals and suppliers. This measure is part of a broader "shock plan" designed to resolve financial bottlenecks in the healthcare system. Crucially, funds are not transferred to EPS accounts; instead, the ADRES agency makes direct payments to providers after invoices are reconciled.

How it works

The mechanism targets obligations related to medications and procedures reported as pending between September 1 and September 20, 2026. To qualify, services must have been rendered and bills conciliated. Each EPS receives one credit, though disbursements can occur in multiple tranches. The interest rate is tied strictly to the annual Consumer Price Index (IPC) variation, with no additional points. EPS entities may choose a grace period of up to 12 months, followed by a 12-month repayment window. If an EPS defaults, ADRES can deduct payments from future resources owed to the entity.

Scope and Exclusions

El Colombiano clarifies that this is a loan, not a subsidy or capital injection Source: El Colombiano. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that this does not replace the EPS’s ongoing obligation to cover new cases arising after the September 20 cutoff Source: El Colombiano. EPS under administrative intervention or those voluntarily withdrawing from the system are excluded. While Infobae notes the total amount depends on the Ministry’s viability assessment of the 2026 budget closure, Portafolio confirms that ADRES will calculate individual caps based on validated pending lists Source: Portafolio.

Impact

The initiative aims to unblock care for patients with critical needs. As of mid-October, over 300,000 patients had received medication deliveries under the plan, representing 42.89% of units reported as pending in the initial cohort Source: El Colombiano. The strategy focuses on reducing pressure on high-risk patients identified in the September report.