Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Private Health Insurance.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

40 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board regarding developments in private health insurance which the board believes could signal the demise of community rating; if his attention has further been drawn to the submissions made to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas recently by the board; the proposals, if any, he has to address these concerns in the immediate term and the long-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24290/96]

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

46 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he intends to take in relation to health insurance in view of the fact that the newcomer into the market, BUPA, seems to place the over 55 year old age group at a disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23035/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 46 together.

I am aware of the concerns expressed by the Voluntary Health Insurance Board with regard to community rating in private health insurance. The chairman of the board wrote to me expressing his concern in this respect. I am aware of the submissions made to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas by the VHI board.

The House has previously been advised that my Department, as part of its normal regulatory function, was considering in detail the schemes which have been launched by BUPA. This process is proceeding and my Department has now written to BUPA seeking its views on certain issues. I will decide what further action, if any, is warranted in this matter when BUPA responds to this communication.