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Health Insurance Claims

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Questions (744)

Clare Daly

Question:

744. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the remedy available to persons who have made a claim or who believe that medical practitioners fraudulently claimed for expenses in relation to their case; the action they can take regarding same; and his plans to reform the system. [22341/14]

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Written answers

I assume the Deputy is referring to claims by medical practitioners in respect of treatments paid for by private health insurers.

I do not have a role in the day to day operations of any private health insurance company. However, it is my understanding that each of the private health insurance companies has its own procedures in place to investigate instances where over-charging of customers for hospital treatments is identified and notified to the insurer.

Customers of private health insurers should contact their private health insurance company in the first instance if they are not satisfied with their statements or if their insurer has been charged for accommodation or treatments not received. It is then a matter for the private health insurer to ensure that necessary steps are taken to investigate and deal appropriately with the issues identified.

I have emphasised the importance of cost control in relation to private health insurers. The independent report prepared by Pat McLoughlin deals extensively with this matter, including the need for insurers to co-operate on addressing fraud, waste and abuse. Mr. McLoughlin's second and final report is expected during June.

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