Opposition MP and long time critic of Government's FutureCare programme, Louise Jackson, said she felt "validated" by a recently released Bermuda Health Council report.

Last week the Council released a discussion paper with several recommendations on how to overhaul private health insurance companies.

The council said the reforms would "protect the public, promote equality and promote cost efficiency".

Due to Bermuda's ageing population and the number of people below the poverty line the council said the current system was not viable, including Government's FutureCare programme that offers comprehensive health care at lower rates than private companies.

It stated: "FutureCare provides essential health coverage for seniors at a time when capacity is constrained and private individual coverage for this population can be financially inaccessible. "However, the forecasted increase in the senior population over the next decade raises concerns about the long term viability of the plan. FutureCare is designed to cover seniors, the highest risk population, which leaves the healthier, younger, and lower risk individuals out of its pool, presenting a high burden and risk for the plan, and thereby benefiting private plans.

"Reforms proposed in the consultation paper seek to diversify private insurer risk pools to ensure all payers share an equal responsibility in financing health care for the population as it ages."

Mrs. Jackson, who has spoken out on health and seniors issues for the United Bermuda Party, said last night: "The BHC has validated the UBP's position, When I was saying this, they shot the messenger and said I was confused. The Government owes seniors an apology, obviously I was not confused."

Yesterday Health Minister Walter Roban said the report focused on the issue of overall sustainability of the health care system and not just FutureCare.

He added: "It should also be noted that additional reforms being considered by the Ministry of Health and to be released as part of the Government's National Health Strategy will seek to address other aspects of this issue.

"FutureCare has performed as expected, within budget, and provides for the needs of a key segment of our population. As has been stated from the inception of FutureCare, the Government is taking proactive measures to ensure FutureCare's long term viability and sustainability.

"Some of these measures are built into the FutureCare Plan design and we will enhance these as necessary to satisfy the needs of our seniors. Ultimately, the Government will work with its stakeholders to seek an equitable distribution of funding for the health care needs of our population."