Patterns of Progress: FutureCare
The PLP is determined to meet the health care needs of Bermuda's uninsured and under-insured seniors. After a lifetime of hard work, our seniors don't need to be scared of going to a doctor because they don't want to face the medical bills. That's why we're taking an important step that will take care of the health care needs of Bermuda's seniors.
FutureCare will be a cooperative public-private partnership between the Government, employers and citizens. During the working lives of Bermudians (20 to 64), employers and individuals will make contributions to the fund. The fund will be used to cover the health care needs of all Bermudians age 65 and up.
Under FutureCare, all Bermudian seniors will be covered and they will be able to use any participating health care provider on the island. Seniors will have freedom to choose their primary care physician and other providers. There will be no multi-tier health system with all seniors having access to the same services, regardless of economic status. Finally, FutureCare is flexible and may be supplemented with private insurance, if desired.
In today's Bermuda, HIP only covers so much, and, any costs beyond HIP coverage must be paid out-of-pocket. Contrasting with the UBP's plan, FutureCare will eliminate Bermuda's tiered health care system that currently gives the best health care coverage to the rich and leaves everyone else behind. The UBP has pledged to reopen the indigent clinic which serves to enforce tiered medical service. The contrast is clear. The PLP is committed to providing the highest quality health care for all our seniors and FutureCare is a bold programme that will introduce equality and fairness into Bermuda's health care system.
