Liz McManus
Ceist:65 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if he will concede the 9 per cent increase in subscription costs being sought by the VHI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14188/97]
Written Answers - VHI Subscription Increase.
On 26 June 1997 the chairman of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board wrote to the previous Minister informing him of the board's decision to implement a price increase of 9 per cent approximately on all VHI schemes, with effect from 1 September 1997.
Under the Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1996, the board must give not less than 30 days prior notice to the Minister where it proposes to increase premium charges. The Act provides that the board may give effect to any increase unless the Minister, within 30 days of the notification, directs the board in writing not to do so.
The board has provided my Department with information relating to its decision to increase its premium charges. I expect consideration of this matter to be completed very shortly.