Q: The Government stated during the election build-up in 2007 that FutureCare would be for all seniors, how come this is only rolling out for those over 65 currently enrolled in HIP. Isn’t that unfair?

Ministry of Health: The present economic situation provided us with an interesting challenge as it related to delivering FutureCare. The team had a mandate to deliver by April 1, 2009. Back in October when the proposals were first put to the Government, we did not envision the economic picture that we are looking at today. Once this became evident, around the beginning of the new year, the team had to backtrack and reconfigure the plan in order to meet the needs of those we deem to be most in need but also within a budgetary constraint of $10 million of incremental funding beyond funding that presently exists for seniors.

FutureCare will be able to accept more seniors and add new benefits over time. The upcoming year represents Phase I. In the present economic climate, we deemed that seniors presently on HIP and seniors deemed to be indigent (those who legally qualify for financial assistance) have the greatest need. This year is designed to meet that need. We recognise that there are seniors with major medical coverage with the private insurers who might find FutureCare attractive, at the present time we are pleased that they do have insurance coverage and felt the need to address those who may not or find the cost of private insurance prohibitive as the first priority.

QSo realistically, going forward, what is the aim...to offer futurecare to all seniors who want it?

Ministry of Health: Over time FutureCare will be expanded to include all seniors who wish to be enrolled in the plan. As previously stated, this is Phase I. As we consider the economic climate and continue discussion with the private insurers, we will determine the scope of the FutureCare Plan.

Q: Does FutureCare replace HIP?

Ministry of Health: It is important to note that FutureCare does not represent an upgrade to HIP, but is a new and exciting healthcare programme designed specifically for seniors.

HIP was designed to provide cost effective, health care coverage for basic needs only. Under HIP, most seniors have to pay for the majority of professional services provided by specialists outside of the hospital. HIP was initially intended to be a plan for those employed persons who did not work for employers that had health insurance plans for their employees. HIP over time became the insurer of last resort.

In FutureCare, we are talking about an entirely new product with a specific focus on our senior population.

HIP remains for those persons under the age of 65 (self-employed etc) who wish to take advantage of this affordable plan.

Q.Explain the extra cost.

Ministry of Health: We are asking seniors to pay approximately $60 more per month for significantly more benefits. Under HIP, seniors were still expected to pay a considerable amount towards the services they were receiving in the doctors office etc. In most cases, FutureCare covers 75 percent of that service with the individual providing a co-pay for the difference. Therefore, in the long run we believe that FutureCare will cost less.