Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1546. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing universal health insurance; the estimated charges to be imposed on persons with and without medical insurance for UHI; how medical card patients will be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37086/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra1574. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he expects to publish the While Paper on universal health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37114/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1546 and 1574 together.
The Government is committed to fundamental reform of healthcare in Ireland that will deliver a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where access is based on need, not income. Every individual will have a choice of health insurer and will have equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services. A new Insurance Fund will subsidise or pay insurance premiums for those who qualify for a subsidy.
In February, I established an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance which will assist in developing detailed implementation plans for universal health insurance and driving implementation of various elements of the health reform programme.
The Group will also assist my Department in preparing a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance. The White Paper will outline the estimated costs and financing mechanisms associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. Preparation of the White Paper is a complex process. It will involve significant financial modelling to support analysis of different design options and to estimate the cost of UHI. The White Paper will be published as early as possible within the Government’s term of office.
The reform programme is a major undertaking that requires careful sequencing over a number of years. The Implementation Group will continue in existence throughout the health reform process and will oversee implementation of the reforms and consult widely.
