Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social

The Costa Rican Social Security Fund or Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (as it is known in Spanish) is in charge of most of the nation&s;s public health sector. Its role in public health (as the administrator of health institutions) is key in Costa Rica, playing an important part in the state&s;s national health policy making. Its services are available to all citizens and permanent legal residents. This governmental entity&s;s functions encompass both the administrative and functional aspects. Originally, services were carried out at private hospitals but funded by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund. Not until the mid-1960s did the Caja begin constructing its own hospitals staffed by public employees. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is also charged with the administration of the public pension system.