Pat Cox
Question:83 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Health if he has decided to approve the increases in subscriptions sought by the VHI; and, if so, the increase he has approved.
Written Answers. - Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme.
Ivan Yates
Question:98 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the role, function and performance of the Voluntary Health Insurance scheme with particular reference to its monopoly; and if he will review its operation.
Paul Connaughton
Question:105 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health if he intends seeking agreement with the VHI in respect of payment for private/semi-private hospital accommodation in the light of present private/public bed designations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 98 and 105 together.
The VHI plays a very important role in the health services of this country as the main insurer of private health costs. The extent of its membership — over one third of the population — is a reflection of the extent to which it has fulfilled its role, despite the major changes which continue to occur in the health services.
Legislation which is being prepared in anticipation of the EC Single Market in health insurance from July 1994 will open the market on a community rating basis to insurers who wish to provide insurance cover in this country. Any legislative amendment necessary to put the VHI in the best possible position to cope with anticipated changes in the pattern of provision of health services and with a competitive health insurance market will be made in the context of that legislation.
Discussions are now taking place between my Department and the VHI on a range of issues which must be addressed in order to enable the VHI to plan efficiently for at least the next three years. Among the issues being discussed is the level and method of recoupment of public hospitals in the years 1993 to 1995 in respect of the services they provide for private and semi-private patients who are members of VHI. I expect that the discussions will be concluded by the end of this month and that decisions will be made by the Government in June.
I do not have any application at present from the VHI in relation to increases in subscriptions. Any such proposals will have to be considered in the wider context of the outcome of the discussions to which I have just referred.