Willie Penrose
Ceist:34 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he intends to amend the VHI regulations in relation to psychiatric in-patient treatment in accordance with the Government's programme. [19834/97]
Written Answers. - VHI Regulations.
As there are no VHI regulations relating to psychiatric in-patient treatment, I assume that the Deputy is referring to the 1996 health insurance minimum benefit regulations made pursuant to the Health Insurance Act, 1994.
The minimum benefit regulations provide that all insurers carrying on the business of health insurance must pay benefit for a minimum of 100 days in-patient psychiatric treatment per annum. I understand that the VHI allows benefit of up to 180 days psychiatric in-patient treatment per annum.
The 1994 Act and the 1996 regulations will be reviewed in the light of the operation of the competitive market which commenced on 1 January 1997. In that context, consideration will be given to all aspects of the regulatory framework.