Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 July 2012
846 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in relation to the establishment of a consultative forum on health insurance; the findings of the forum; the progress that has been made in relation to reducing the cost of private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35306/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February of this year I established the Health Insurance Consultative Forum which comprises representatives from the country's main health insurance companies, the Health Insurance Authority and the Department of Health.
This Forum has been established with a focus on generating ideas which would help address health insurance costs. The insurers have agreed to work cooperatively in driving down costs related to health insurance. Bilateral meetings have taken place with each insurer where they have brought forward their own ideas for cost savings in the market. These ideas are the subject of ongoing deliberation and policy analysis within the Department.
The Forum also facilitates participating parties to consider certain issues related to the implementation of Universal Health Insurance (UHI). The future delivery of health services under UHI will require competing insurance companies driving efficient, cost effective delivery of high quality health care. The Forum will allow the insurance companies consult with my Department on many significant changes on the road to the full implementation of UHI.
