Reilly’s compulsory health plan ‘excellent’

Health Minister James Reilly’s compulsory health insurance plan “won’t come cheap” but could guarantee “excellent” cover for patients, an independent expert has predicted.

Health insurance specialist Dermot Goode made the claim after leaked details Dr Reilly’s controversial universal health insurance initiative finally emerged yesterday.

Under the move, which Dr Reilly has staked his reputation on by saying it is the only reason he entered politics, the current two-tier, public-private health system will be replaced by a service guaranteeing the same right to care for every person.