Written answers

Thursday, 11 July 2013

Department of Health

Health Insurance Cover

Photo of Patrick NultyPatrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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241. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to information published on a regular basis by the OECD, multi-payer health systems cost more in terms of expenditure as a percentage of GDP than single-payer health systems; if he will consider introducing a single-payer universal health insurance system rather than a multi-payer system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34050/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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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 (UHI), 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 Programme for Government states that "everyone will have a choice between competing insurers".

The Department is currently 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. Broadly, this involves the development of detailed policy proposals covering issues such as the design of the UHI model, the scope and composition of the UHI basket of services and funding and financial support mechanisms for UHI. In terms of cost, the work necessarily includes consideration of mechanisms for ensuring both appropriate cost control and long-term sustainability of our health system.

Work on the development of detailed policy proposals is proceeding with a view to publishing the White Paper as early as possible. Ultimately, we are committed to learning from international experience and evidence and to introducing a model of universal health insurance that best fits the Irish system. More detail in relation to the overall process for producing the White Paper, including the projects, studies and policy appraisals that need to be undertaken, is set out in the preliminary paper on UHI, The Path to Universal Healthcare, published by the Department in February 2013 and available on its website, www.doh.gov.ie.

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