Frances Fitzgerald
Question:213 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, he has to approve increases in VHI premiums in 2000. [17904/00]
Written Answers. - VHI Premium.
The chief executive of the Voluntary Health Insurance board recently wrote to my Department concerning the board's decision to implement a price increase on all VHI plans, with effect from 1 September 2000. Under the Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1996, the board must give not less than 30 days prior notice to the Minister where it proposes to increase premium charges. The Act provides that the board may give effect to any increase unless the Minister, within 30 days of the notification, directs it in writing not to do so. The board has provided information on its decision to increase its premium charges and the matter is under consideration in my Department.