Seamus Kirk
Ceist:218 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the escalating premium costs for VHI subscribers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20602/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 July 2004
Ceisteanna (225)
Freagraí scríofa
By letter dated 22 June 2004, notification was received from VHI stating that it intends to increase premiums by 3.8% for its hospital A to E plans and 2.5% for options plans from 1 September 2004 as members renew. There is no increase proposed for its primary care Healthsteps plans. The VHI has stated that the level of increases decided by the board is less than previous years and significantly less than the rate of increase in the cost of medical care which is currently running at over 10% per annum. VHI has stated that this increase in premiums will be applied totally to finance new benefits and services for members.