Vol. 449 No. 8
1 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health, in view of the fact that there are now over one million VHI subscribers, his views on whether there is a need to establish a users council to give a voice to those subscribers who at present have no say in the operation and policy of the VHI. [4613/95]
(Limerick East): I am of the view that some greater participatory role should be created for the consumer in the area of private medical insurance. I will discuss with the VHI and other insurers new arrangements which could be put in place to give a voice to the consumer.
I am glad the Minister adopted that attitude because we are quickly reaching the stage where VHI stands for "very high insurance". As one of its one million paying customers I consider that I am insured for everything but covered for nothing. Who would be represented on such a users' council?
(Limerick East): The discussions are at an early stage but in general I envisage such a council being comprised of representatives of the public and private hospitals, the health insurance sector, consultants in their capacity as contractors, consumers such as the Deputy and the Department as the regulator of the service.
Does the Minister agree — he is probably a customer of the VHI — that it would be weighted in favour of the hospitals, consultants and interest groups who very often determine what happens in relation to VHI payments? Does the Minister have any idea — perhaps it is too early to say — of how many members would represent the consumer who has to pay high fees for insurance cover?
(Limerick East): The discussions have not reached the stage where I would be able to indicate a figure but I take the Deputy's point. I am indicating the interests that will be represented but not the strength of their representation. The role of the consumer will have to be taken into account.
There is an insurance ombudswoman and to some degree the VHI is co-operating with her. I would prefer if everybody involved had a wider consultative role and the consumer better access. The health strategy states that there will be greater sensitivity to the right of the consumers to a service which responds to their needs in an equitable and quality driven manner. To deliver on this promise it will be essential to give a strong consultative role to the consumer.
Does the Minister believe that the introduction of competition in the health insurance market would bring benefits for the consumer as happened in the case of airfares and car and home insurance? The Minister stated that the VHI is co-operating "to some degree" with the ombudswoman. Does this indicate it has not been forthcoming and that the ombudswoman is encountering difficulties in seeking the full co-operation of the VHI, which is not what one would expect?
(Limerick East): As the Deputy will appreciate, I have been in office for a short time but I have indicated my unhappiness with the VHI on a number of occasions. I would like it to co-operate more fully with the ombudswoman for the insurance industry until a wider consultative framework is put in place. Competition is inevitable but we should not rush into it because if one is young and healthy and pays low premiums it can lead to a great service whereas if one is old and in need of care it may not lead to such a great service at a cost one can afford. In any discussion on competition we should keep in mind the kind of cover provided for many years. It would be a pity if we departed from the formula or framework of universal cover.
