Valentina Bassi: "It will go down in history as the most ruthless government to people with disabilities"

Argentine actress Valentina Bassi has accused President Javier Milei's government of being the most ruthless administration in history toward people with disabilities. Speaking to Radio Del Plata, she stated that the current government would go down in history as the harshest for this group. Bassi emphasized that the system of basic benefits, covering care, medication, therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitation treatments, special schools, day centers, and homes, is largely managed by social security organizations and private health insurers rather than the state. She noted that only 16 percent of these services are covered by the public sector, while the remaining 84 percent rely on entities such as PAMI, social security funds, and private insurance providers. The controversy arises amid broader economic reforms initiated by the Milei administration, which have included measures aimed at reducing public spending and restructuring financial systems. In La Rioja province, Governor Juan José Quintela introduced a relief plan involving reduced interest rates through the provincial bank. However, this initiative does not directly address the concerns raised by Bassi regarding the treatment of individuals with disabilities under national policies. Economist Luis Cachanosky commented on the government’s approach, stating that so far, it has functioned as a machine for dismantling businesses. This perspective aligns with criticisms from various sectors who argue that the administration's policies threaten existing support structures for vulnerable populations. Bassi, who is the mother of a teenager with autism, questioned who benefits from the proposed changes. She suggested that private health insurers, or prepagas, stand to gain significantly from the situation. These companies charge high fees but provide minimal coverage, according to her. The freezing of the nomenclator, a list of medical procedures and their associated costs, has led to a deterioration of the system, causing institutions to accumulate debt. She argued that the government aims to dismantle the care system for people with disabilities to reduce the burden on private insurers, who currently bear the cost of these services. This assertion highlights a growing concern among advocates for disability rights, who fear that essential services could become increasingly inaccessible due to policy shifts. The debate over healthcare access for people with disabilities has intensified as the Milei administration continues its reform agenda. Critics warn that without adequate safeguards, the changes could disproportionately affect those already facing systemic barriers. Advocacy groups are calling for transparency and accountability to ensure that the needs of disabled individuals remain central to policy discussions. As the political landscape evolves, stakeholders continue to monitor developments closely. The outcome of ongoing negotiations and legislative actions will determine whether the concerns raised by figures like Bassi are addressed or further exacerbated. The focus remains on ensuring that the rights and well-being of people with disabilities are protected amidst sweeping economic transformations.