The Bermuda Health Council (BHec) has received limited feedback on wide-ranging proposals to reform the health insurance industry.

Members of the public and industry experts have until today to review the consultation paper and make submissions.

The discussion paper suggests ways to promote equity and cost efficiency within the industry. Suggestions include creating a more "robust" standard hospital benefit package and requiring all private insurers to provide the same basic package at the same price to everyone, regardless of age or pre-existing condition.

Another policy objective said tying premiums to income "provides for cross-subsidy in health care financing between high- and low-income individuals to ensure affordability of coverage for broad basic package".

Last Friday, BHeC head Jennifer Attride-Stirling said: "We have a very good level of engagement with insurers and have had the opportunity to discuss in detail the purpose and goals of our proposals.

"To date written feedback on the proposals has been limited, but we anticipate more to come in as we near the deadline of 30th August [today]."

Once the consultation process is finished BHeC will review the feedback, make necessary revisions to the policy objectives, and forward the proposals to the Ministry of Health before the process of creating regulations begins, Dr. Attride-Stirling said.

"Consultation is an iterative process and discussions with key stakeholders will continue to take place at numerous junctures along the way," she added. "Our aim is to maintain an open dialogue with insurers and stakeholders, and to keep the public aware of developments."

Earlier this year Health Minister Walter Roban said Bermuda was on the verge of a "health revolution".

At the time he did not provide details but said there could be changes in the standard hospital benefit system, a move towards generic drugs, and new legislation to oversee the private sector.

The United Bermuda Party has said the discussion paper raises more questions than answers.