VHI price hike of 8.5% condemned

THE Government will today approve an 8.5% price hike for the VHI despite the State-controlled health company posting profits of €34 million last year.

The latest increase, the fourth in two years, has been condemned by consumer groups and opposition parties amid concern it is part of a ‘fattening up’ process to facilitate privatisation of the VHI.

Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients Association said he was concerned that a growing number of people, particularly those who are retired and on a fixed income, would not be able to pay the new charges.