Calls for Harney to delay VHI price hikes until company audit published

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney is under renewed pressure to block VHI price hikes until a confidential audit — which it is believed identified massive inefficiencies at the state-run health insurer — is published.

The company has faced criticism since warning customers and patients they face increased fees of up to 45% from next month as it battles to balance the books.

It has emerged that experts at consultancy firm Milliman handed a report to the minister in September which identified massive inefficiencies at the VHI.