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.

According to Dr Turner, the proposed universal health insurance scheme has not specified the extent to which this group of people’s insurance premium costs would be subsidised by Government.

In addition, he said it is unclear whether this group would see their healthcare tax contributions fall to reflect the fact universal health insurance contributions would be implemented. As a result, he argued “it looks like they could be paying more than they do now” if the new system is introduced.

This could occur because the “squeezed middle” group’s health costs currently relate only to taxes. However, under a new system they may be paying taxes and a universal insurance contribution.