Older people to bear brunt of insurance relief changes

Elderly people who do not live “gold-plated” lifestyles and who suffered a raft of other budget cuts are to be among the worst hit by the slashing of health insurance tax relief — with bills likely to increase by hundreds of euro.

As grey voter anger mounts over Budget 2014, consumer groups revealed an elderly person could be facing premium hikes of up to €470 per person when they renew.

In sharp contrast to Finance Minister Michael Noonan’s comments that the decision to cap 20% tax relief on insurance bills at €1,000 would only affect people on “gold-plated” policies, it has emerged that up to 90% of health insurance users will be affected by the cuts to tax relief.