WILLEMSTAD – PAR Member of Parliament Shaheen Elhage is demanding that the Curaçao government present a detailed assessment within 90 days of whether contraceptive coverage under the Basic Health Insurance system (BVZ) can be expanded to insured individuals under the age of 25. He also wants the government to examine the financial consequences and consider including the proposed expansion in the 2027 national budget.
The request is contained in a formal letter dated October 23, 2026, addressed to Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt and forwarded through Parliament President Fergino Brownbill.
Elhage argues that the government should examine not only the immediate cost of providing contraceptives to more young people but also the potential medical, social, and economic benefits of preventing unintended pregnancies.
Under the current regulations cited in his letter, contraceptives are generally excluded from BVZ coverage, except for insured individuals under 18 and certain medical circumstances.
The parliamentarian wants the government to investigate whether extending the age-based exception to individuals under 25 would be financially sustainable.
He has specifically requested an actuarial analysis and cost-benefit assessment by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
According to Elhage, such an assessment should consider the additional cost of contraceptive coverage alongside potential expenses associated with unintended pregnancies, prenatal care, childbirth, and related medical and social complications.
The purpose, he explains, is to establish whether investing in preventive reproductive healthcare could produce benefits without jeopardizing the financial sustainability of the BVZ system.
Elhage acknowledges that expanding coverage would likely require additional public expenditure.
However, he argues that the government should not evaluate the proposal solely on the basis of the immediate cost of contraceptives.
He wants a broader examination of whether improved access to family planning could contribute to better health outcomes, greater educational continuity, and improved economic opportunities for young adults.
The parliamentarian has requested that the Ministry of Health commission a legal review of Article 8.1, paragraph 3(c), of the 2014 National Decree governing BVZ benefits.
He also wants a draft amendment prepared that would make contraceptive coverage possible for insured individuals under 25, with appropriate medical, social, and administrative safeguards.
The proposed review should examine the range of contraceptive methods that could qualify for coverage, including pills, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices.
Elhage is also questioning the legal classification of contraceptives as medical aids, arguing that hormonal contraceptive products should be assessed in accordance with the legislation governing medicines.
In addition to the legal and financial evaluations, he wants the government to consult relevant stakeholders, including SVB, family planning organizations, medical professionals, pharmacists, and organizations working with young people.
These consultations would help determine how an expanded benefit could be introduced and what safeguards would be necessary.
One of the most significant elements of Elhage's request is his proposed deadline.
He wants Minister Boekhoudt to submit a report to the Curaçao Parliament within 90 days outlining the results of the evaluation, the available legal options, estimated costs, and a timetable for any proposed amendment.
He has also asked the government to consider adjusting the 2027 budget to accommodate the expanded coverage.
Elhage is making clear that he expects a substantive response even if the government decides against the proposal.
Should the minister decline to pursue the amendment, the parliamentarian wants a detailed explanation of the political, medical, social, legal, and financial reasons for maintaining the current age limit of 18.
He also wants to know what alternative measures the government would propose to help prevent unintended pregnancies among young adults between 18 and 24.
According to Elhage, this requirement is important for government accountability because Parliament must be able to evaluate policy decisions on the basis of evidence and clearly explained arguments.
The parliamentarian also emphasizes that contraceptive coverage alone cannot prevent every unintended pregnancy.
Sexual education, professional guidance, and personal responsibility remain essential components of reproductive healthcare.
Nevertheless, he believes the government has a responsibility to determine whether financial barriers are preventing young people from accessing appropriate family planning services.
The proposal places the issue of preventive reproductive healthcare on the government's agenda at a time when healthcare financing and long-term sustainability remain important policy considerations.
For Elhage, the central question is whether an expansion of contraceptive coverage could represent a worthwhile preventive investment rather than simply an additional expense.
The letter requests a formal response supported by documentation and a proposed action plan explaining whether, how, and within what timeframe the expansion could be implemented.
No government response or decision on the proposed amendment was included in the correspondence.