Chile has reduced the cost of the Bono PAD to make bariatric surgery more accessible for patients with severe obesity [1, 2].
This policy change matters because it lowers the financial barrier for thousands of citizens seeking medical intervention for chronic obesity, potentially reducing long-term public health costs associated with obesity-related comorbidities.
Dr. Camilo Boza, a bariatric surgeon, detailed the requirements and benefits of the procedure in an interview earlier this year [0]. To qualify for the surgery through the public health program Fonasa, patients must meet specific health criteria. Eligible candidates include those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher if the patient also has comorbidities [1]. The program is available to patients between the ages of 18 and 65 [1].
The Bono PAD is a mechanism that allows Fonasa affiliates to access these procedures at a fixed price. Previously, the cost for bariatric surgery under this system was 2,500,000 CLP [1]. Recent updates have lowered this price, though reported figures vary by source. Some reports place the new cost at 1,800,000 CLP [1], while other reports state it has dropped to 1,500,000 CLP [2].
Medical evaluations are required to ensure patients can safely undergo the procedure. Dr. Boza said the goal is to facilitate access for those who truly need the surgery to improve their quality of life and overall health [0]. The reduction in cost is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Health to address the obesity crisis in Chile through more affordable surgical options [1, 2].
Patients must navigate the Fonasa system to apply for the benefit and undergo the necessary clinical screenings to confirm their eligibility based on the BMI and age standards [1].
“Chile has reduced the cost of the Bono PAD to make bariatric surgery more accessible.”
The reduction of the Bono PAD cost reflects a shift in Chile's public health strategy to treat severe obesity as a critical medical condition rather than a lifestyle issue. By lowering the price point and maintaining strict BMI requirements, the government is attempting to balance the high cost of surgical intervention with the long-term economic burden of treating obesity-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension across the population.
