Vol. 457 No. 4
44 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health his views on the policy recently enunciated by the VHI in relation to higher charges for older persons who join the VHI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15495/95]
Limerick East): Under the Health Insurance Act, 1994, health insurance contracts can only be provided on a community rated basis, whereby the same premium is chargeable for the same duration and level of cover to all persons regardless of the individual's age, sex or health status. The position is that charging higher premia to older people joining the VHI is inimical to community rating and is, therefore, contrary to the law. I have no plans to change the law in that regard.
