The Minister of Health has claimed that private sector health insurance companies are refusing to insure seniors.

Walter Roban said two insurance providers have disappeared in recent months, and reports are coming in of others refusing coverage.

He made the remarks as he responded to comments earlier this week from Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson. She claimed many seniors are "confused and anxious" over Governments's Futurecare healthcare scheme for seniors, due to a lack of information from Government.

Mrs. Jackson also accused Government of making an "irresponsible election time promise" in 2007 of healthcare for all. She said the $10 million Budget constraint for the first year of the Futurecare scheme meant "more than 80 percent of seniors" were excluded.

However, Mr. Roban hit back yesterday, saying that private health insurers are partly responsible for those seniors who are finding it difficult to get coverage.

He said: "The FutureCare programme rolled out in April of this year and it was made quite clear that there would be a phased implementation of seniors and benefits. The first phase of the plan included persons who were already enrolled in the Government's Health Insurance Plan (HIP), persons who turn 65 in this calendar year and persons who qualify for Financial Assistance. The next phase of the plan will roll out in the next Budget year. Information regarding the extent of Phase II will be released as part of the next official Budget."

However, the Minister added that the public could expect an announcement on "the way forward" within the next fortnight.

He added: "One issue missing from Mrs. Jackson's comments is the impact of the private insurers on the situation we presently face. She seems to be unaware or unwilling to discuss the changes that have occurred since FutureCare was implemented.

"For example, prior to April 1, there were at least three private insurers offering a HIP equivalent which was available for seniors. Therefore, although it is true that we were not taking all seniors into FutureCare and had eliminated HIP as an option, this was based on the existence of available and affordable options in the private sector.

"In recent months two of those providers have disappeared altogether and we have been receiving reports that others are refusing to accept seniors. These actions combined with seniors being made redundant from their places of employment, has created a hole in the healthcare coverage that is available for seniors.

"With the recent demise of British American Insurance, we have taken steps to fill this gap. Our Government programmes are established through legislation and therefore, the solutions will also have to be legislated."

Mr. Roban did not respond last night to requests for further information on which insurance providers have disappeared and which are refusing to accept seniors.

FutureCare aims to reduce the number of uninsured seniors in Bermuda and to make healthcare more affordable. Premier Ewart Brown announced the new health insurance programme in the run-up to the December 2007 election, saying: "FutureCare is an insurance programme that will provide every Bermudian above the age of 65 with guaranteed healthcare."

However, due to the economic climate, the scheme was only allocated $10 million in this year's Budget and the late Health Minister Nelson Bascome said the programme would be phased in on a gradual basis.

l Have you experienced problems registering for FutureCare or HIP as a senior? Contact our newsdesk: news@royalgazette.bm.