Martin under fire over latest VHI premium hike

HEALTH Minister Micheál Martin’s health insurance market policy was attacked by the Progressive Democrats yesterday following the VHI’s latest price increase.

The 3.8% increase was also described as unjustified and illogical by the Labour Party, which questioned if the Government was planning to privatise the semi-State company.

Drawing parallels with Tánaiste Mary Harney’s focus on general insurance prices, PD TD Fiona O’Malley said the consumer needed more players and greater competition in the health insurance market to keep prices down.