Senate President Alf Oughton expressed his deep concern yesterday about the dispute between insurers and the medical profession which could hurt the elderly if there is a steep hike in insurance premiums.

Sen. Oughton chaired an independent review of Bermuda's health which recommended in 1996 that a health council be established to deal with disputes such as this, but its proposals were not implemented. If insurers and doctors cannot agree on costs for a range of operations and treatment, the elderly could face "mega bucks" in bills, he told Senate Wednesday.

"I am very concerned about the present conflict between and the health insurers with the potential for hefty increases in rates, a large proportion of which will fall on the shoulders of patients," he said. "In the area of major medical services, this could mean mega-bucks for patients and make life for senior citizens that much more arduous.

"I know the Cabinet has been reviewing this (report) but it has been on the table for six years and large amounts of money thrown at it in that period, but things are getting hairy. Someone needs to get this group together and determine how to make changes."

Government Senate leader Colonel David Burch said: "This matter is receiving the highest priority, but it is not something that can be resolved overnight."