Amicus: Harney must support 'risk equalisation'

The Amicus trade union has claimed Ireland could end up with an American-style health insurance system if Health Minister Mary Harney decides against the introduction of so-called "risk equalisation".

Under the practice, health insurers such as BUPA, who have younger and more profitable members, would be required to subsidise companies like the VHI, whose membership is older and more prone to illness.