The Government is considering allowing more people to be covered by different types of insurance policies and said this could be achieved by shifting the costs of covering different types to the people, including those with disabilities.
The announcement came as it was revealed that the Government will introduce legislation to allow people with a range of chronic illnesses to pay for their own care at the same rate as people with less severe conditions.
It will also include an amendment to the Health Insurance Bill, which is expected to be tabled next month, which will allow those with a condition that makes them a “primary carer” to pay the same for their care as someone who is not a primary carer.
The proposal will be seen as a compromise, but there are fears it could mean people with chronic conditions will be excluded from health insurance altogether, and that they would have to pay higher premiums to get coverage.
Health Minister Jonathan Bell said: “I have said that I am determined to ensure people with different conditions can have access to the same high quality, compassionate care.”
This is a key part of my approach to improving the quality of our health services.
“The proposal to shift the costs to the primary carers has been welcomed by a range on the Disability Rights Campaign (DRC) and the Independent Alliance.
But it is seen by some as an attempt to put an end to the private insurance market and a “slap in the face” to those with chronic illnesses.
The DRC said it would be very difficult to implement a system in which primary care workers pay the premiums of people with more severe illnesses.
A spokesperson for the DRC added: “The DPP has also said that the new legislation will create a lot of uncertainty for people who are facing serious health problems.”
The legislation will also see more people who need medical help paying more than those who are able to afford it.”
We have made it clear that this is an important issue and that we will be supporting any legislation to improve access to care.
“The Government’s health policy has been under scrutiny since it announced last year that it would introduce an insurance-based health system to cover people with disabilities in the first phase of the rollout.
The legislation is expected later this year, and will be welcomed by the DPC and the DCC.
But there have been concerns from some that the change would lead to a system where people with “primary responsibility” to care for their loved ones, such as people suffering from dementia, would be excluded.
The proposed change would see people with special needs, such the elderly, with their families, the unemployed and those with conditions that make them a primary caregiver receive the same rates of insurance as those who do not have a carer in their home.
The Government has also been criticised for its failure to consider the needs of people who do have a primary responsibility to care.
Its plan to change the way in which insurance covers people with physical disabilities was criticised as a step too far.
It is understood the Government has agreed to move on to a draft law for the next phase of its rollout, which has been due to be published in the coming months.
Mr Bell said the Government was committed to improving access to quality, affordable health care and the delivery of quality care to people with varying disabilities.
He added:”This Government has been working hard to address the challenges faced by our disabled community.”
As the first of the UK to introduce universal health insurance in 2015, we have been making the most of our experience to bring our plan to fruition.”
Our plan to ensure that our disabled population is covered by the best quality health insurance policy available has been the key to success.
“It has also enabled us to provide support to those who have not been able to access this level of insurance, such people with mental health issues, those with complex and chronic illnesses, those who work in low paid, insecure jobs, and those who live with chronic health conditions.”
He said the move to allow the primary caregors to pay premiums for their health insurance would be phased in and would provide a much needed relief to people struggling to pay their own bills.
“I have made clear that the changes to the health insurance system that we are introducing will only apply to people who have a basic carer, a primary Carer, or a special carer,” he said.
“A secondary carer will still have to cover their own health costs and the Government recognises that these will be higher for people with specific conditions.”
The DSC also welcomed the Government’s announcement.
“Universal health insurance is an absolute must if we are to tackle the challenges facing our disabled communities and their families,” DRC general secretary Dr Rachel Firth said.
The new plan will see the price of basic care for people will be paid by the person with a disability, with the price also applied to a secondary care person.
It also has the potential to provide a major relief to those facing long-term illness, as those with physical and mental disabilities would be able to choose their own