In the elections of 2010, the health insurance companies allocated R$ 11,8 million in official donations to campaigns of 153 candidates for elective office, which contributed to the election of 38 federal deputies, 26 state legislators, five senators, five governors and the president. Other 82 candidates received support, but were not elected. It is necessary to improve transparency of the funding and lobby of health plans, so that public and collective interests prevail in policy making, regulation and operation of the Brazilian health system.
Private health insurance plans; lobby; electoral campaigns; financing systems