Mary Henry (Independent)

It is in the last two years of a person's life that most money is spent on medical care.

Senator Feighan mentioned American companies. In the brief time I worked in America I witnessed the most appalling scenes with people being thrown out of schemes just when they needed them the most and private hospitals closing down, even though people had made huge subscriptions to them throughout their lives. We are rightly being cautious about what we allow health insurers to do.

I wish the Bill well and hope it passes rapidly through both Houses and that the risk equalisation framework is brought into existence as soon as possible.