NHI Pays Out $16M In Claims To Date

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BVI Platinum News
Hon. Ronnie Skelton

(PLTM) - Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Ronnie Skelton has just revealed that in a matter of eight months, the mandatory National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme has paid out $16,070,608 in claims, leaving many to now question whether or not the scheme is operating at a deficit. The Minister disclosed this information in response to an inquiry made by Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Julian Fraser in the House of Assembly today, September 22nd. Minister Skelton noted that the figure, which covers from January to August 31, 2016, is inclusive of both local and overseas providers. This information came as a huge pill to swallow for the members of the opposition, who previously argued that the NHI scheme is one that will bankrupt the Territory. Earlier this year, the government had to find a total of $11.5M for the start-up of NHI. This funding was noted to be sourced from the government’s consolidated fund, and be paid into the NHI account being held at Banco Popular. While speaking in an earlier House sitting, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith was questioned on whether or not the start-up includes claim payments, to which he said, “Claims will be paid by NHI by whatever funds they have, funds collected, etc." He added, "The initial monies actually include startup cost for the first month or so until the NHI could develop sufficient funds, and then, of course, there will be continued payment by government. I cannot tell you now...that will include for example insurance for civil servants and who government would normally take care of.” It was on this note Hon. Andrew Fahie had foretasted that NHI will not sustain for more than three to five years, and stated that such a scheme would bankrupt the Territory. "The projection down the road might sustain it for 3 to 5 years. That projection has me concerned...I do have confidence in our medical people, but we are asking a lot of them, with little...Think before we reach to the point where this reaches us to bankruptcy,” Hon. Fahie said at the time. Hon. Fahie had calculated, "30,000 people we average in the country, an average of $30,000 per year in salary (and also those on minimum wage and lower salaries). When you multiple 30,000 by $30,000 you will have $900M, and when you take seven and a half percent of that, roughly about $67.5M for the year that will make out of NHI, provided everybody pay; also some have to come from government...and the claims," he said. He had further argued, "I am sure January claims done pass $5.5M...So if the claims are $5.5M a month and you multiple that by 12 months, that is $66M, and it's going to be more, and if you have $66 versus $67M, you only have a million and a half to pay the staff for NHI to deal with the operation and hospital costs, all other things." Hon. Fahie stated that the model being used by the government is not a sustainable one.

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