Universal health insurance moves closer to reality

UNIVERSAL health insurance has moved a step closer after the Government confirmed it has agreed to establish a group to implement the measure.

Briefing papers released last night show Health Minister James Reilly’s move is supported by other Cabinet members. Under the plan, an implementation body will be set up to examine how to impose universal health insurance on the health service system and what changes are needed to make the move feasible.

Universal health insurance — which guarantees a person’s medical costs will still be covered even if they have no income — was a key part of Fine Gael and Labour’s pre-election health service reform promises. It aims to eliminate the existing two- tier service and introduce free GP care for all.