Martin stands firm on VHI increase despite warnings

HEALTH Minister Mícheál Martin last night persisted in supporting the latest VHI premium increase despite warnings from a Government body charged with monitoring health insurance.

As Mr Martin backed a VHI request for an 8% increase, the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) released a strongly worded statement expressing concern at the level of recent price increases.

The Government-appointed expert group last night said it would now investigate the competitiveness of the private health insurance market and produce a report before the end of the autumn.