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VHI hikes to hit hundreds of local families – Smith
The latest VHI health insurance hike announced last week will lead to even more families across Cavan and Monaghan being unable to pay for private health insurance, according to Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith. Deputy Smith has expressed deep concern about the news 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 Smith.
“Older people will be hit the hardest by these latest increases announced. 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.
“Across the country, up to 6,000 people every month are abandoning their health insurance policies. The latest price hike will make things even worse. These thousands of 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.
“Is Minister Reilly intent on ensuring that private health insurance is put well and truly beyond the reach of people on ordinary incomes? The increases in private health insurance over the last year are in stark contrast to the Minister’s commitment to bring in universal health insurance. By the Minister’s own admission this is a 10 year project. Are people really expected to face staggering prices increases for a decade?
“People across Cavan and Monaghan 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.”
