Fine Gael in talks with health insurer over universal coverage, says Reilly

POLITICAL REACTION:FINE GAEL has said it is already in talks with a major international insurance provider on the provision of universal health insurance, at levels below current market prices.

The Labour Party, which is to issue proposals for health insurance initiatives in the coming weeks, said it would introduce a “comprehensive system without fear of losing cover if you lose your income”.

Fine Gael spokesman on health James Reilly said universal health insurance would be introduced “as soon as possible” on the party gaining power.

He said the plan would be integrated into the private health insurance market and would cover 40 per cent of the population at no additional cost to those being insured.

This would be paid for through savings generated by the Health Service Executive.

A further 15 per cent of the population would pay less than €200 a year based on two adults, with children covered free.

He said a further 15 per cent would pay interim levels, while the remaining 30 per cent would “pay as they are”.

Dr Reilly said the costs of universal health insurance would be borne by the market and savings made in the way the Government pays hospitals.

Fine Gael wanted to see a system whereby health professionals would be paid once for services to the patient, instead of separate and often overlapping “side room” charges imposed by hospitals, consultants and primary care practitioners.

The method would involve patients being treated at the “least level of complexity” which was “safe, timely and effective”.

Labour spokeswoman on health Jan O’Sullivan said the party’s position was similar to that of Fine Gael, but with less emphasis on market conditions and more on patient care.

She said the party would address general practice as well as hospital care “that would give a comprehensive service without fear of losing cover if you lose your income. It would be effective and efficient without being wasteful.”

The Irish Senior Citizens’ Parliament reacted strongly to yesterday’s announcement that some VHI policies may rise by as much as 45 per cent.

Parliament chief executive Máiréad Hayes said the increase would be the “final straw” for many older people, putting healthcare “beyond the reach of many of them”.

Employers’ body Ibec also criticised the VHI increases. Director general Danny McCoy said increases would be a major blow for employers already facing cost increases from the Budget.