National Health Insurance roll-out seeks input; sets record straight
The mandatory programme is scheduled to take effect from August, 2013.
Deputy Director of the BVI Social Security Board, Mr Roy Barry, told residents at the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre that based on draft legislation and recommendations from consultants and actuarial reviews, there is a proposed deduction of 7.5% for persons paying premiums to the NHI; evenly split between employers and employees.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr Irad Potter, related to residents that the decision to have insurance in addition to the National Health Insurance programme is a personal decision. “We don’t have any expectation that there will be much need for anyone to have any other insurance, however those who can afford and who desire to have additional insurance coverage, there is nothing barring them from doing so. We expect that [the programme] will be able to provide, both quality and effective care by providers who are contracted under the Health Insurance Programme.
“In fact,” he continued, “we expect all providers in the Territory to be part of that programme.” Dr Potter also disclosed that for services not available in the Territory, the programme is expected to contract providers who are able to provide necessary care in other jurisdictions.
Dr Potter conceded that some persons may have relationships with their own personal physicians and may wish to “pay out of pocket” or to have some other type of insurance to take care of those desires.
The Chief Medical Officer also assured residents that the Government will continue to be an employer who contributes to the National Health Insurance Programme on behalf of its employees. “For the Government,” he said, “the insurance carrier of choice, will be the National Health Insurance Programme, so all public officers, like the rest of the population will participate in the mandated National Health Insurance programme.”
According to Mr Barry, Government will contribute a part of the premiums and the employees will continue to contribute a part of the premiums.
Concerns were also raised about access to emergency overseas care and residents were assured that a board will be in place and available at all times to review all recommendations from medical practitioners for patient transfers.
'Means test' for persons over 65 years of age a requirement
Mr Barry also related that persons 65 years and over will be required to do a means test to determine their ability to pay their own insurance. “In addition, persons who are over 65, or you might have individuals who are unemployed, there will be a means test done to verify whether or not this person is capable of paying contributions for themself.
“If they are deemed unable to pay contributions, government contributes on their behalf,” he disclosed. “Persons over 65 who might be receiving an income from rent or other, they too will have to contribute on their own behalf.”
The Deputy Director of the Social Security Board told residents that the series of meetings were being held in part to “inform the public as to the design of the National Health Insurance System and to get feedback from each person so that we can go back to the steering committee and review whatever recommendations or suggestions came from the public meetings.”
He reminded persons that legislation and regulations have already been drafted and are awaiting enactment in the House of Assembly but changes can be made as per recommendations received from the meetings.
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9 Responses to “National Health Insurance roll-out seeks input; sets record straight”
The only difference here in the BVI is the Government has chosen to be up front with people and tell them about it rather than just implementing it and raising taxes...do you think the 40-50% tax that people pay in other countries are just to take money from people...no those taxes go towards ensuring that people can go to the hospital or other healthcare provider regardless of how much they make and get the quality healthcare that everyone deserves.
Be real people...this is a good thing...in the UK you are even eligible to get extra milk and the sorts for free after having a baby...all because programs like this exist.
Give the BVI a chance and we will reap the benefits....programs such as these are designed not to fail...keep an open mind..