Dara Calleary
Ceist:63. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health when the White Paper on Financing UHI will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7486/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 February 2013
Ceisteanna (63)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system, the aim of which is to deliver a single tier health service, supported by universal health insurance (HUI), where access is based on need, not on income. Under UHI, everyone will be insured and will have equal access to a standard package of primary and acute hospital services, including acute mental health services. A new Insurance Fund will subsidise or pay insurance premiums for those who qualify for a subsidy.
The Department is preparing a White Paper on Universal Health Insurance which will provide further detail on the UHI model for Ireland in addition to the estimated costs and financing mechanisms associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. The work involved is both complex and technical, necessitating significant research and financial modelling to support analysis and costing of different design options. This, in turn, demands a wide-range of specialised expertise. The Department is engaged in a process to ensure the provision of this expertise to feed into work on the preparation of the White Paper during 2013. The White Paper will be published as early as possible within the Government’s term of office.
In advance of the White Paper, my Department has produced a Preliminary Paper on UHI, which I intend to publish very shortly.