TITLE:
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund: The Cornerstone of the Costa Rican Health System
AUTHORS:
Percy Guzman, Pamela Marcus, Marianela Salazar, Mariana Bolanos, Michael Halpern
KEYWORDS:
Costa Rica, Central America, Costa Rican Social Security Fund, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, Health System, Healthcare Infrastructure, Health Promotion, Digital Health Records, Healthcare Access, Financial Sustainability
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.15 No.5,
May
28,
2025
ABSTRACT: This paper provides a comprehensive description of the Costa Rican health system, focusing on the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). The CCSS is the cornerstone of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, offering a range of medical, social, and economic benefits. We cover the historical evolution of the CCSS, its organizational structure and financing mechanisms, and levels of healthcare services provided, including primary, secondary, and tertiary care. We also discuss the integration of digital health records and the roles of various governmental and quasi-independent institutions within the health sector. Costa Rica maintains a strong position in terms of healthcare personnel availability and GDP per capita in the Central America region. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the financial sustainability of the CCSS and addressing healthcare access disparities between urban and rural areas. The paper underscores the importance of continued investment in health infrastructure, professional training, and health promotion to enhance healthcare quality and equity. We conclude by highlighting the need for strategic adaptations to meet emerging health demands, optimize resource allocation, and leverage technological advancements. These efforts are essential to maintain high-quality, equitable healthcare services for all Costa Rican citizens and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the CCSS.