Government is putting patients of the closing medical clinic on their Health Insurance Plan (HIP) — but at least one general practitioner said HIP clients must pay for all services up front.

In a pamphlet mailed to residents in Bermuda last week the Ministry of Health said every patient currently requiring medical assistance will be on HIP after the clinic closes next month.

However, the general practitioner’s office, which did not wish to be identified, said they had waited over a year for reimbursement from the Government and therefore changed their policy for HIP patients.

She said unlike other insurance companies, the Government can take over a year for payment on claims and she cannot run a business like that.

And last night Shadow Senior and Health Minister, Louise Jackson warned this is why the plan needs to be revamped before more patients are added to the system.

Mrs. Jackson said: “There are some doctors who for 18 months have not been paid. Doctors cannot run a business if they are not getting paid.

“How many businesses can wait a year to 18 months for payment? HIP needs to be revamped and this is why the closing of the medical clinic is such a tragedy.

“Making the patient (from the medical clinic) pay up front and then have to reimburse them, this is of course impossible. The Premier wants them to pay $5 and they can’t even do that.”

Health Minister Phillip Perinchief was unavailable for comment last night, however the Ministry of Health’s pamphlet further says: “The payment schedule for physicians will be in line with the Standard Hospital Benefits of the Health Insurance Plan.”

And the Ministry also promises that: “The Department of Social Insurance will reimburse all claims for payment through the HIP Plan within 30 days.”

The closure of the Medical Clinic, was announced in the Premier’s November Throne Speech, saying the patients were suffering in lack of dignity.

However, those opposed to the plan and demanding answers collected thousands of signatures and organised two protest marches.

And Independent Senator, Alf Oughton yesterday said if the transition pamphlet had been distributed earlier, much of the protest would not have happened.

Mr. Oughton also said he understood there was a “concerted” effort in the HIP administration to make sure doctors are paid promptly.

However, he recognised there could be a problem if the medical clinic patients are added to the system before changes are made.

Mr. Oughton said: “The Minister knows of the problem. He should have had all of his ducks in a row before send the boat out. “They should have even issued this pamphlet out before.”

The Senator, however is concerned the transition will be stressful for medical clinic patients if they must worry about paying for their doctors.

“The only reason they are indigent means they have no money so they can’t pay up front,” he added.

“If HIP could guarantee the doctors can be paid in 30 days, and there’s no reason why they can’t do it, then there shouldn’t be a problem.”