Vol. 457 No. 1
86 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health the consultations, if any, he has had with the VHI Board in relation to the determination of VHI premium increases; if so, the concerns, if any, he has regarding the level of increases in recent years, the reduction in services covered and the practice of balance-billing by some consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14886/95]
Limerick East): There is ongoing discussions between my Department and the VHI across a whole range of issues, including the amount of subscriptions by members in respect of cover. The VHI is a not-for-profit organisation and under section 4 (4) of the Voluntary Health Insurance Act, 1957, the VHI is obliged to fix subscriptions to the extent that the revenue therefrom, together with any other revenues, shall be only sufficient, after provision is made for reserves, depreciation and other like purposes, to meet its ongoings.
The VHI is faced, like health insurance companies generally, with the escalating cost of healthcare and the increased volume of claims arising from a healthcare system which is ever increasing in its sophistication. Such pressures have compelled the VHI to increase its premiums and make some adjustments in out-patient cover.
Regarding balance-billing, the VHI has now negotiated arrangements whereby over 80 per cent of medical consultants participate in a full cover scheme under which their fees are met by VHI and the levying of any balancing charge on the individual member does not arise, Participation in the full cover scheme is solely a matter for decision by individual consultants.
