Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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598. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an indication of the average premium for health insurance under the universal health Insurance system; if this premium will be in the order of €3,000 per annum; if the State will provide subsidies for persons who currently are not eligible for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17598/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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It is, as yet, not possible to say what the cost of UHI premiums will be when the system is fully implemented in 2019. Determining the cost of universal health insurance is a complex matter and will require expert analytical support and time to undertake. The cost will depend on a range of factors, including decisions on the basket of services to be provided under UHI, estimating future demand for health services and decisions in relation to the scope and design of the financial support system. Officials in the Department of Health will progress the necessary work in relation to this major costing exercise during 2014.

There will be a system of financial protection whereby the State will fully or partially subsidise insurance premiums for people who qualify on the basis of a means test. Officials from my Department will progress proposals for this subsidy scheme which will be designed to ensure that citizens can afford the premiums for a standard UHI package of services.

It is my intention to have all the necessary groundwork for UHI in place by early 2016 and to then proceed to have the new system implemented by 2019.

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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599. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an overview of the UHI system; the way it will operate; his views on whether those who are currently health insurance holders will benefit from or be disadvantaged by its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17599/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The delivery of a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where there is fair access to services based on need and not on ability to pay, is a central pillar of the Government’s major reform programme for the health system. The White Paper on Universal Health Insurance,which was published on 2^ndApril 2014 and is available on the Department’s website, , provides detailed information on the UHI model for Ireland.

Broadly, under UHI, everyone will be insured for the same standard package of services. In addition, everyone will have a choice of health insurer. Health insurers will purchase health services on behalf of their customers from healthcare providers. There will be a system of financial protection whereby the State will pay for or partially subside the cost of UHI premiums for those who qualify. All individuals, whether paying for their UHI policy premium themselves, or having them fully or partially paid for by the State, will access the UHI package of services on the same basis, that is, on the basis of health need. Insurers and providers will not be allowed to sell faster access to services covered in the UHI standard package of care. Individuals will still be able to pay privately for services not included in the standard UHI package or purchase supplemental health insurance cover for these. However, these supplemental policies will not be subject to community rating.