Government is looking at ways to ensure seniors not eligible for FutureCare can access affordable basic health care.

Since the first phase of FutureCare was implemented this year, two insurance companies have discontinued their basic health care plans for seniors.

Persons over 65 now face paying out between $5,000 and $18,000 for private health care policies. Alternatively, they can put off retiring until they find out if they are eligible for the scheme.

Said a Ministry of Health spokeswoman: "When the Government initiated FutureCare there were private sector options. They no longer exist. The Government is presently reviewing a proposal to address this issue."

No further information about the proposal was released by the Government.

In 2007 FutureCare was touted as the answer to seniors' prayers with Premier Ewart Brown saying it would "make the dreaded prospect of health care insecurity a thing of the past for our senior citizens".

In early 2008 the late Health Minister Nelson Bascome promised FutureCare coverage would be available to every Bermudian over 65.

However this year the Government said it was unable to provide FutureCare to all seniors yet, blaming the flagging economy.

The Government stated that FutureCare would have a phased implementation instead.

The first phase started this April and the Government said the second phase would start in April 2010.

Seniors who were enrolled in HIP as of April 2009 were eligible for the first phase. Also eligible are those over 65 who qualified for financial assistance and those who have turned 65 since January 1, 2009.

The number of eligible seniors accounts for approximately 44 percent of the senior population, although Government figures reveal only 30 percent of Bermuda's seniors are currently enrolled in the programme.

The Government has not made it clear who would be eligible in the second phase.