Government has set aside $10 million to implement its FutureCare programme, which will be in place for some seniors within six weeks.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome yesterday said the initiative, to be phased in because of the economic crisis, would provide greater benefits than the Health Insurance Plan (HIP).

The cash is part of a $177 million Ministry of Health budget, an increase of $26 million, or 17 percent, on last year.

Mr. Bascome said the first phase of the project would see elderly people who were enrolled in the HIP plan before January 2009 transferred to FutureCare on April 1.

"FutureCare will provide greater benefits than HIP and is based on the needs of the people of this community," the Minister told a press conference.

"Implementing FutureCare in a phased way recognises the present economic situation and allows the Government to deliver an important health care product to those who need it most. FutureCare will be expanded in future years both in benefits and availability to all seniors in Bermuda."

The Ministry of Health refused to release specific details about the programme, including its overall cost, but confirmed it was not a public/private partnership.

Meanwhile, the administrative costs of health insurance – $5.4 million this year and $6.5 million last year – have been switched from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Health.

Bermuda Hospitals Board will get a $9.6 million increase, of which $6.8 million will go to the Hospital Subsidy covering services for the indigent, aged, youth and geriatric population.

The remaining $2.8 million will go to the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute as Government steps up its focus on mental health.

BHB chief executive officer David Hill told The Royal Gazette: "The increase relates to an increase in our fees and we are pleased Government has recognised that the costs associated with health care exceed inflation.

"Besides covering the cost of providing hospital services, it will also ensure that we are able to undertake necessary improvements next year.

"This includes our urgent care centre which is due to open on target in April, continuing with our ward renovation project and expanding space for our diabetes and asthma services."

Mr. Bascome said Government and BHB were committed to the cost of setting up a public/private partnership for a new hospital, with the cost spread over the next two financial years.

He said BHB was preparing a budget proposal for the total set-up costs.