Taxpayers could face dual cost of health levy and premium

Taxpayers could face a double charge for healthcare when universal health insurance is introduced amid uncertainty about how the new model will be funded.

Health Minister James Reilly yesterday launched much-awaited proposals to end the two-tier health system and give basic cover to everyone, subsidised by the State.

But his universal health insurance (UHI) white paper was immediately criticised for lacking cost elements and details about how it could be funded. Mr Reilly also could not rule out the possibility of health service users still having to pay a health levy when UHI is introduced in 2019 under the plan.