Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Private Health Insurance.

Noel Ahern

Question:

175 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress with regard to ensuring private health insurers offer cover to those age over 75 and in good health; if the White Paper on Private Health Insurance has been issued; if a copy is available; the progress which can be made on this issue; the plans, if any, for resultant legislation and regulations; the progress made in this regard since previous correspondence in May 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18774/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The White Paper on Private Health Insurance, published in September 1999, addressed the particular issue raised by the Deputy. It outlined proposals in relation to the introduction of lifetime community rating which will address the shortcoming in the existing system as regards the provision of first time cover by insurers to persons of or over the age of 65. The existing open enrolment provisions will be extended to such persons who could previously be refused cover if they were entering private health insurance for the first time or their previous cover had lapsed for a material period. The Government have approved legislation, the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2000, which will include provision for this measure, together with others addressed in the White Paper. Arrangements are being made for the immediate publication of the Bill.