Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
655. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the report from the Health Insurance Authority which recommended the health insurance levy rates to apply in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3777/13]
View answer656. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his decision on setting the health insurance levy rates for 2013 was based on a Health Insurance Authority report which assumed that 16% of policy holders would hold non-advanced policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3778/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 656 together.
Each year the Health Insurance Authority, (HIA) prepares the Report of The Health Insurance Authority to the Minister for Health, in accordance with Section 7E (1)(b) of the Health Insurance Acts, 1994 – 2012, with the most recent report produced in November 2012. These Reports set out the HIA’s evaluation and analysis of information returns supplied by insurers, together with its recommendations for Risk Equalisation credits and associated Stamp Duty to apply for the following year.
In setting the rates for Risk Equalisation Credits, following consultation with the Minister for Finance, I must have regard to the principal objective of the Health Insurance Act (as amended), which is to ensure that access to health insurance cover is available to consumers with no differentiation between them, in particular as regards the cost of health services, based on health risk status, age or sex. I must also have regard to the aims of: avoiding overcompensation of registered undertakings or former undertakings, maintaining the sustainability of the market, having fair and open competition in the health insurance market and avoiding the Risk Equalisation Fund having a surplus or deficit from year to year.
The HIA Reports are very detailed and include substantial market sensitive data. The 2011 Report was published in redacted form on the Department’s website. My Department, in conjunction with the HIA, is currently finalising a redacted version of the 2012 Report for publication shortly. In relation to the 16% of the insured population who currently have a lower level of cover, I am confident that when the new rates applicable under the Risk Equalisation Scheme come into effect on 31 March, there will continue to be a significant number of such policies available to consumers.
