Universal health plan to hit ‘squeezed middle’

THE “squeezed middle” of Irish society may be forced to pay more towards the healthcare system than currently under the Government’s universal health insurance plan.

Dr Brian Turner, a leading economist at University College Cork (UCC), said the situation could occur because these people are earning just over the limit which excludes them from GP visit/medical cards, but cannot afford private health insurance.

He made the claim during an analysis of the Fine Gael-Labour coalition’s health reform proposals at the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) annual conference at the weekend.