The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP wishes to remind the public that there will be no increase to the premium for the mandated package of insurance or to HIP or FutureCare premiums in 2019.

Minister Wilson said, “The Standard Premium Rate is the premium for the basic set of services required to be part of your health insurance policy. This requirements has been in law since 1970 (Standard Health Benefit). This premium and the services it pays for will not change during this year. With no change in the price of this care, there should be zero impact on your insurance premiums.

 “To make this possible, the Government is streamlining the way hospital services are funded. We are moving to a more efficient method of funding that ensures your healthcare premiums are used only to pay for healthcare. Accordingly, the portion of your premiums that have always been priced in your insurance policies to pay for your hospital care will be paid directly to the hospital.

 “This change to a more efficient payment model ensures your standard health benefit is protected; it prevented a standard premium increase, and created fiscal space to invest in chronic disease management programmes.

“The Government advises the public to be alert of the zero premium increase and exercise their consumer rights to demand likewise from the market.”