On January 31, 2019, Mexico’s Official Gazette published a decree issued by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ordering that individuals participating in the “Youth Building the Future” program be incorporated into the IMSS (Mexico’s social security system),1 which will entitle them to receive mandatory benefits, such as insurance for illnesses, maternity and occupational risks. This decree benefits approximately 2.3 million people between the ages of 18 and 29 who are not already covered under an insurance plan.
As we previously reported, on January 10, 2019, Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (known as “STPS” for its acronym in Spanish)2 published regulations to implement the Youth Building the Future program. The regulations, which outline the essential aspects of the program, became effective that same date.
Under the Decree, the insurance for illnesses and maternity will cover medical, obstetric and surgical assistance, as well as hospitalization and pharmaceutical benefits. The insurance against occupational risks will provide the same benefits, plus assistance with prosthetics, orthopedics and rehabilitation.
This new program will be funded by the federal government, through the STPS. To receive the social security benefits, the program’s participants or the STPS must submit the necessary paperwork required by the IMSS.
