Universal Health Insurance: Introduction of UHI has potential €2k cost for each taxpayer

A report projecting the potential cost of introducing Universal Health Insurance (UHI) into the Irish market indicates it could cost taxpayers between €1,200 and €2,000 each a year.

The working paper ‘Income-Related Subsidies for Universal Health Insurance Premia: Exploring Alternatives Using the SWITCH Model’ was conducted by experts from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and indicates that whatever model might be employed, there would be a significant cost to the taxpayer and the State.

It looks at the taxation for and subsidising any UHI system, and indicates that the cost associated with it might make it difficult for the Government to implement.