INDEPENDENT TD Thomas Pringle has hit out at the increase in the health insurance levy which will hit families across Donegal.
“The recent announcement of the 40% increase in the Health Insurance Levy will mean extra costs for customers with private health insurance. This is despite the government saying that the companies should not pass it on,” said Deputy Pringle.
“We have seen the impotence of the government before with the pension levy introduced in June of last year. At that time they said it was only 0.6% and that the pension companies would not pass it on. It now turns out that many pensioners have seen their pensions reduced by over 10%’.
“There is over €1.9billion paid in health insurance premiums in this country, by people who are afraid that they will not be treated in the system if they do not have insurance. I have to wonder what the health system would be like if this money was invested in the health services and not in the profits of private health insurers instead.
“Investing €1.9billion annually in Hospitals and Primary Care would totally transform the health services in this country,” said the TD.
“What we need in this country is a Universal Health Care system where people are treated regardless of ability to pay. Not Universal Health Insurance that will privatise the health services that we depend on’ concluded Pringle.”
© 2011 donegaldaily.com, all Rights Reserved
The copying, republication or redistribution of donegaldaily.com Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited by law.
Follow us on www.twitter.com/donegaldaily
Follow us on www.facebook.com/donegaldaily
Tags: