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Universal Health Insurance Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Questions (598)

Robert Dowds

Question:

598. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an indication of the average premium for health insurance under the universal health insurance system; if this premium will be in the order of €3,000 per annum; if the State will provide subsidies for persons who currently are not eligible for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17598/14]

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Written answers

It is, as yet, not possible to say what the cost of UHI premiums will be when the system is fully implemented in 2019. Determining the cost of universal health insurance is a complex matter and will require expert analytical support and time to undertake. The cost will depend on a range of factors, including decisions on the basket of services to be provided under UHI, estimating future demand for health services and decisions in relation to the scope and design of the financial support system. Officials in the Department of Health will progress the necessary work in relation to this major costing exercise during 2014.

There will be a system of financial protection whereby the State will fully or partially subsidise insurance premiums for people who qualify on the basis of a means test. Officials from my Department will progress proposals for this subsidy scheme which will be designed to ensure that citizens can afford the premiums for a standard UHI package of services.

It is my intention to have all the necessary groundwork for UHI in place by early 2016 and to then proceed to have the new system implemented by 2019.

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