Offaly deputy calls for 'basic cop-on' after 80 year-old forced to pay for maternity cover

Independent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, has called for urgent action from the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to address what she describes as “deeply unfair and inflexible” rules in the private health insurance system that are forcing elderly policy-holders to pay for benefits they neither need nor use.

Deputy Nolan was speaking after making representations on behalf of an 80 year-old constituent, who was informed by VHI that she could not receive any refund or adjustment for maternity benefits, and addiction-related mental health cover, that were included in her policy despite being entirely irrelevant to her circumstances.

Deputy Nolan said the case highlights 'a wider problem that is affecting older people and vulnerable customers across the State'.

“What happened to my constituent is not an isolated incident,” said Deputy Nolan.

“I am hearing from more and more constituents who feel they are being boxed into rigid, one-size fits-all insurance plans that simply do not reflect their needs. It is completely unreasonable to expect an 80 year-old woman to pay for a policy that includes maternity benefits which she will never require. Yet, under the current minimum benefit regulations, insurers are compelled to include these items and customers are left footing the bill.”

Deputy Nolan said she had written to VHI seeking clarity on whether any discretion exists within policy terms to offer partial refunds or adjustments where mandatory benefits are clearly unnecessary.

She has also asked whether VHI has made representations to the Health Insurance Authority or the Department of Health seeking greater flexibility for policyholders.

“I am not singling out VHI, because this is a systemic issue and VHI’s response makes it clear that the problem lies in the regulatory framework itself. That is why I have raised this matter directly with the Minister for Health,” said the Offaly TD.

“The Minister must ensure that the Health Insurance Authority is equipped to provide robust consumer protection and that the regulations governing minimum benefits are reviewed as a matter of urgency. Elderly people should not be penalised by a system that refuses to recognise their actual healthcare needs,” she added.

Deputy Nolan said she will continue to pursue the issue until meaningful reform is delivered.

“This is about basic cop-on and fairness for older people. We cannot allow a situation where they are effectively mis-sold costly policies that bring no real benefits and that serve no purpose for them,” concluded Deputy Nolan