|
|
Families forced to abandon health
cover
03.02.12
MANY Inishowen families
are being forced to abandon their private health
insurance as policy prices increase, according to
Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue.
Deputy McConalogue expressed his "deep concern" that
the VHI is again planning to increase its health
insurance prices by an average of 9%.
“We are seeing increase after increase in the price
of health insurance in this country at a time when
people are already struggling to pay their bills.
What’s happening is that thousands of families are
being priced out of the market, putting even more
pressure on the public health system,” said Deputy
McConalogue.
“Older people will be hit the hardest by the
increases announced this week. This will lead to
many simply being unable to renew their policies.
Families are also facing an increased burden in the
order of €200 on the VHI’s most popular plan. I have
already spoken to many people locally who simply
can’t afford these prices anymore and have no choice
but to let their private health insurance go." |
Deputy McConalogue said
up to 6,000 people were abandoning their health
insurance every month.
"The latest price hike this week will make things
even worse. These people are now left entirely
dependent on the public health system, which is
already under severe pressure. It means waiting
times in hospitals will increase and overcrowding in
emergency departments will get worse.
"All of this at a time when the Minister for Health
James Reilly is moving to shut down community
hospital beds and nursing home beds. |
 |
|
Deputy Charlie McConalogue. |
|
“People across Donegal
are getting increasingly worried about the future of
our local health services. They are worried about
the problems they will face when they get sick and
need to go to hospital. Minister Reilly must take
some responsibility for this and take some action
now to allay the public’s concerns.” |
|
