Fine Gael shamefully con people with new health policy

[Monkey-Magic]

Fine Gael recently launched its new Health policy called FairCare. The party claims its proposals ‘represent the most fundamental reform of the health system since the formation of the State.’ The new policy involves a massive surge in privatisation and ‘marketisation’ of health care. It essentially hands the running of our Health Service to private insurance companies and will result in rocketing price of health insurance.

Fine Gael says that its plan relies heavily on the Dutch model introduced in 2006. The Dutch Health System is far from a controversy free area. The level of hygiene in hospitals is a big issue as is the quality of the food for patients. The insurance companies are squeezing staff costs with the result that there is a shortage.

In Holland health insurance is not cheap. Premia are currently over €1,000 for an individual with the average family paying over €4,000 per year. Under the Fine Gael plan the 16% of taxpayers in this country who put their trust in the public health system without private insurance, would be forced to take out the private insurance which would involve a considerable economic burden.

[Chrisco]

Funny, I thought that Dutch hospitals were the cleanest in Europe, as evidenced by the fact that they have the lowest MRSA infection rate.

The 16% of taxpayers in this country who put their faith in the public health system are being shafted, as is everyone else who pays for it too.

Anything would be an improvement on the current situation.

[Ronanr]

Interesting point from the OP.

At present I have the cheapest plan from VHI.

Costs me about 330 Euro a year.

Has FG costed how much it would be for the likes of me under their new plan?

Because it sounds to me like it would be stealth tax of stunning proportions.

[Monkey-Magic]

Funny, I thought that Dutch hospitals were the cleanest in Europe, as evidenced by the fact that they have the lowest MRSA infection rate.

The 16% of taxpayers in this country who put their faith in the public health system are being shafted, as is everyone else who pays for it too.

Anything would be an improvement on the current situation.

Forcing families to pay an extra €4000 just to line the pockets of big business is an improvement?! What Ireland needs is a single tier health system funded by progressive taxation not more privatisation like FG want. FG are conning people by presenting their plan as free healthcare for all when in reality it will be for profit care delivered by big business who will milk the population and deliver the minimal service possible.

[Monkey-Magic]

Interesting point from the OP.

At present I have the cheapest plan from VHI.

Costs me about 330 Euro a year.

Has FG costed how much it would be for the likes of me under their new plan?

Because it sounds to me like it would be stealth tax of stunning proportions.

That's exactly what it is- a stealth tax. FG don't want to increase taxes on the rich so instead they will impose a stealth tax to disproportionately hit the working class.

[KingKane]

There was a thread if not more than one back when this was launched.