Cuts drive health system reforms in Spain

The economic crisis is largely shaping health policy in Spain. This paper reports on major changes in the health care system, both nationally and regionally, as a consequence of sizable cutbacks and new pieces of legislation. The most relevant changes to the system introduced during the last year are having an impact on who is insured, which benefits are covered, and what share of the cost of service provision is contributed by the population, while at the same time reducing salaries and working conditions in the sector. We further report on the consequences these changes are having, and the roles played by key actors and organisations in the system.