On 20 April 2012, the Spanish government adopted the Royal
Decree Act 16/2012 amending the Foreigners Act, which would deny access
to essential and preventive health care services for undocumented
migrants. This new law, which takes effect on 1 September 2012, will
leave only emergency care, maternity and child care accessible free of
charge.
31.08.2012. Following criticisms by civil society, regional governments and medical professionals, the Minister of Health, Ms. Ana Mato, decided that primary health care services will be available to undocumented migrants on condition that they adhere to a system of financial contribution similar to private insurance amounting to a monthly fee of EUR 59.20 for those under 65 years of age and up to EUR 155.40 for those over that age. Such fees are unaffordable for many irregular migrants.
