The Irish Patients' Association has issued a warning over a proposed increase in VHI premiums. The association said that elderly and retired members of the VHI could be priced out of the market if the 9% increase goes ahead. If the Minister for Health approves the increase it brings to almost 100% the total increase in premiums over the past decade.
The Chairman of the association urged the Minister to examine carefully all aspects of the proposal to ensure customers are getting quality of service and value for money. He said that many elderly people were already struggling to meet their current subscription rates.
According to figures supplied by the IPA, the average family of two adults and two children pay a premium of £797. If they are part of a group scheme the rate is £717. A 9% increase would bring their rate up to £869 or £782 if paying in a group scheme. That is an increase of approximately £70 a year.
The VHI was refused a 9.5% increase last year but was allowed to increase its premiums by 6.25% last February in response to rising costs. The VHI has declined to comment on the matter. Health Minister, Mícheal Martin, has until the 27 July to decide whether to approve this latest proposed increase.
