Government plans to create legislation to prevent insurance companies from alleged discriminatory practices regarding seniors.

The move was announced in yesterday's Throne Speech which repeated Government's commitment to developing FutureCare, its own health scheme.

Yesterday Governor Richard Gozney, who delivered the Throne Speech, said: "Access to health care must be preserved for all Bermudians and where those groups most vulnerable have that access threatened this Government will act.

"During this session FutureCare will continue to be developed as previously undertaken, but not in the face of callous practices in the private sector. Legislation preventing discriminatory practices within the insurance industry will be a considered option, particularly as regards senior citizens."

Earlier this year it emerged that insurance firms took low cost options off their books once the first phase of FutureCare had been implemented.

The move was condemned by Government which pledged to reopen HIP temporarily to ensure elderly people got some health insurance.

At the time Health Minister Walter Roban said: "The reopening of HIP to seniors represents a response to a real need that has come about through actions outside the influence of Government."

Yesterday legislation was tabled which, if passed, will allow seniors to take advantage of HIP on a temporary basis, under the next phase of FutureCare.

The reactivation of HIP means seniors who were ineligible for the Government's new senior health care scheme, FutureCare, but unable to pay between $5,000 and $18,000 for private policies will now be able to access basic health care.

In April approximately 30 percent of Bermuda's seniors were enrolled in FutureCare. At that same time HIP was closed to anyone over 64.

At a fee of $241 per month, HIP enables participants to visit a doctor once a year and covers hospital visits. Persons enrolled in FutureCare pay $260 a month and are entitled to overseas health care, unlimited doctor visits, vision benefits, $2,000 a year towards prescription costs as well as other benefits.

When FutureCare was rolled out there were private sector options for low-cost basic health care, but in the last few months the companies discontinued the policies, a move Government has now signalled it is not pleased with.

The next phase is not due to be implemented until April 2010. It is not known who will be eligible for the second phase.