The late Tourism Minister David Allen was allowed into a Government health scheme at the last minute to cover his medical bills following intervention from Finance Minister Eugene Cox, The Royal Gazette has learned.

It is understood Mr. Allen discovered his insurance coverage would not pay for expensive treatment in the United States and Mr. Cox stepped in to get him into the Government Employees Health Insurance (GEHI) scheme before he was flown out to Boston - even though Mr. Allen had chosen not to join when given the chance.

Members of the committee administering the scheme protested that it appeared Mr. Allen had been allowed on at the 11th hour because of his political connections.

But Mr. Cox, who has final discretion to make decisions on who can join the scheme, ordered Mr. Allen to be covered.

Several sources well acquainted with the controversy have told The Royal Gazette thatGEHI chairman Dr. Bert McPhee planned to resign in protest but was persuaded to stay on. Dr. McPhee has denied this.

Two sources have told The Royal Gazette thatthey had heard that Mr. Allen's medical bills, which included a medical evacuation and treatment at the Lahey Clinic in Boston, were in the region of $100,000.

One source with a detailed knowledge of the incident said: “There was a lot of controversy surrounding this matter.

“It is the chair who represents the GEHI, although the Minister has discretion, but there is a set protocol over how to get someone in.

“There were a lot of meetings with the Minister and some were not at all happy about the way it was done. Tensions were very, very high over the whole matter.

“One of the criticisms was that no politician should be automatically allowed in just on the basis of who they are.

“Dr. McPhee definitely did threaten to resign but some members of the committee said (to the minister) he should not accept his letter of resignation and let bygones be bygones.”

Mr. Allen died on September 26, 2002 in Bermuda following a six-week battle against abdomen cancer.

The United Bermuda Party (UBP) introduced changes to the GEHI in the mid-1990's to allow Members of Parliament into the scheme, which had previously been restricted to civil servants.

From March 2000, MP's were allowed to join the scheme, paying just over $200 a month for comprehensive medical coverage.

It is not known how many MPs took up the offer, but Mr. Allen did not join.

The newspaper has been informed that one complaint among members of the committee who oversee the fund - including trade unions - is that Mr. Allen's treatment was potentially extremely expensive and would have an impact on the overall scheme, possibly affecting premiums.

In the event, Mr. Allen's died quite quickly after falling seriously ill and did not require prolonged medical treatment.

The Royal Gazette contacted Dr. McPhee on Friday and outlined the story to him.

Dr. McPhee would only say: “This is an internal matter which is not for publication. I can say categorically that I did not threaten to resign over this matter. It is an internal thing and I don't think I need to comment over that.”

Auditor General Larry Dennis has prepared a report on the issue but he refused to comment when contacted by The Royal Gazette on Friday.

Mr. Dennis said: “I can confirm I have written a report on the matter, but I cannot confirm any facts.”

Mr. Cox refused to comment on the issue last night.

He said: “I'm not interested in discussing David Allen's privacy at this point in time. I don't want to make any comment.

“Unfortunately, in recent months the Press has printed stories no matter whether they were right or wrong. I have nothing to say.”