Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 6

Written Answers. - Health Insurance.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

158 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will outline his policy in relation to plans by the VHI to provide general practitioner cover in view of concerns expressed by some general practitioners that this could result in a three tier system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

There has been no significant development, to-date, of primary care cover in the private health insurance market. Private health insurance, as it has evolved, provides cover primarily for hospital services. Consequently, the majority of the population meet the cost of primary care on an 'out-of-pocket' basis. My Department is aware that, as a result of demand from corporate and individual customers, VHI is working on the development of an insurance plan to cover members' primary care expenses. However, the VHI board has not, to date, submitted details of the plan envisaged.

The Government has stated in the White Paper on Private Health Insurance that the further evolution of private health insurance should include steps to promote the position of primary care in the system. The proposals outlined in the White Paper regarding changes to the private health insurance framework will not impact upon the existing eligibility arrangements in place for health services which ensure that persons have access to primary care services on the basis of need. Under these arrangements persons who do not qualify for a medical card under income guidelines drawn up annually by the health board chief executive officers may be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers that the persons medical needs or other circumstances would justify this.

I consider that the White Paper proposals will facilitate choice for insured members of the public to finance their primary care needs on an insurance basis, instead of by means of direct payment alone.