Government will bring back HIP health insurance for seniors ineligible for the first phase of FutureCare, it was announced this morning.

Health Minister Walter Roban said Government would be tabling amendments to legislation in the next parliamentary session to ensure all seniors are able to access affordable health coverage.

The Minister stressed that it was an interim solution which the Government was forced to implement after private health insurers dropped their HIP equivalent, meaning private health insurance cost between $5,000 and $18,000.

Government rolled out FutureCare last April and approximately 30 percent of the Island’s ageing population are currently enrolled in the programme and pay $260 for extensive health coverage.

Originally FutureCare was intended for everyone over 65 but Government has since decided to phase it in due to the financial climate, the next phase will take place in April 2010.

The amendments will be tabled in November.

* Full story and reaction in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.