Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2012
220. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the amount of money due from health insurance companies to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 for the years 2009; 2010; 2011 and to date in 2012; the steps being taken to recover the money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45414/12]
View answerI am informed by the Health Service Executive that the total amount of money due from health insurance companies to Beaumont Hospital from 2009 to date in 2012 is €8,364,461. My Department has been working with the main health insurers and has agreed in principle a system of improved cash-flow and accelerated payments, which will provide a once-off cash flow benefit in 2012 in the region of €125m for the health system. The detailed arrangements for the accelerated payments are being finalised with the health insurers at present.
The HSE is continuing a drive to reduce the time taken to submit claims to private health insurance companies. A key element in this drive includes the implementation of an electronic claims management system in its hospitals. This system will address the deficiencies of the paper based process and will also ensure that standardised work practices are implemented across hospitals.
