Vol. 577 No. 5
134 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the VHI does not include the out patient care of cancer patients, as part of its medical cover with the patients, whereby substantial savings are achieved by the fact that the treatment is undertaken on an out patient basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31761/03]
The position is that the Voluntary Health Insurance Acts give explicit powers to the VHI board in determining the nature of the cover to be provided under its health insurance products for the treatment and care of members. Similarly, the regulatory framework covering health insurance business generally provides for insurers to determine the nature of, and manner in which, benefits for the treatment of members under their plans are provided. This is subject to providing a specified minimum level of benefit, mainly relating to in-patient services.
The matter raised by the Deputy relates to operational and business decisions which are a matter for the VHI board. In that context, inquiries made to VHI Healthcare has confirmed that out patient radiotherapy treatment is covered under its insurance plans. Treatments for radiotherapy are provided at two public hospitals, St. Luke's Hospital, Rathgar, and at Cork University Hospital. Benefits are also provided at the Mater Private Hospital and St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Dublin.
Recently, a new package of benefits has been agreed with the consultant radiation oncologists, for patients receiving radiation treatments on and after 1 October 2003. The new comprehensive benefits provide full cover for consultant day care radiation including consultations and assessments of the patient throughout the course of radiotherapy treatment and psychological support for the patient and their family if required. The new benefits also incorporate one follow-up out patient consultation after the course of radiotherapy treatment has been completed.
VHI Healthcare estimates that over 2,700 patients will benefit from these treatments in the first year.
