Vol. 443 No. 3
18 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by VHI subscribers under plan P in being reimbursed for out-patients charges which were increased by him; the action, if any, he intends to take to ensure prompt payment to subscribers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The level of cover available under the various Voluntary Health Insurance plans is primarily a matter for the VHI Board. I have been advised by the Board that it was decided not to cover the revised accident and emergency charge introduced with effect from 1 March 1994 on the basis that the payment applies only in cases of patient self-referral and is intended to discourage inappropriate use of hospital facilities. The Board stress that general practitioner costs continue to be covered under the VHI out-patient scheme on the normal basis. As the Deputy will be aware the £6 out-patient charge was abolished with effect from 1 March 1994.
