Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
425. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to publish the Health Insurance Authority report on reform of minimum benefits provided for as part of health insurance cover; if not, why not; if he will outline the timeline for the introduction of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/16]
View answerUnder the Minimum Benefit Regulations, 1996, all health insurance products that provide cover for in-patient hospital treatment must provide a certain minimum level of benefits. The key purpose of the Regulations is to ensure the continued availability of the type of broad hospital cover traditionally held as a minimum by the insured population and to ensure that individuals do not significantly under-insure.
In June 2010, the Minister for Health asked the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) to consult with stakeholders in relation to minimum benefits to be provided by insurers. In July 2010, the Authority published its Consultation Paper and interested parties were invited to make submissions. The Authority subsequently submitted a report to the Minister which considered the costs, benefits and impacts of various different options for Minimum Benefits, having regard to the submissions received.
Earlier this year my Department requested the HIA to review the 2010 report, taking account of the current health insurance market and significant developments which have taken place in recent years. The HIA has recently provided my Department with a short analysis paper to inform the Department’s decision making. This paper is under consideration in my Department, in the context of broader health policy of the Government.
