2,681 Seniors Benefiting from FutureCare, Phase II Coming on 1 April
Thousands of Bermuda seniors are already benefiting from FutureCare and many more will become eligible during phase II enrollment which begins on 1 April 2010. Health Minister Walter Roban discussed FutureCare and other priorities within his Ministry funded by the Recovery Budget:
The Bermuda Hospitals Board will break ground on the new ambulatory care wing. This however has ramifications for the Department of Health who is a tenant of the Old Hospital Building. In order to allow redevelopment of our hospital, the Government Environmental Health and Vector Control Sections are being relocated. This work should be complete by Spring 2010.
In April 2009, the Health Insurance Section of the Ministry of Finance was transferred to the Ministry of Health. Also at that time, the Section was given the added responsibility of implementing FutureCare along with the existing programmes it manages including the Government Health Insurance Plan (HIP), the Mutual Reinsurance Fund and the Government Subsidy Programme.
In the upcoming year, the Health Insurance Department will undergo a reorganization which will see an increase in permanent staff and the introduction of relationship management, business development and case management to meet the needs of the population that they serve. The Department will also complete the implementation of its automated claims management system.
The National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged was transferred to the Ministry of Health in August 2009.
In the upcoming year, the National Office will be charged with developing a national strategy for seniors, developing proposals for the development and care of the learning disabled and increasing awareness and accessibility for the disabled community.
With plans for the redevelopment of our acute care hospital well advanced, the Bermuda Hospitals Board has been requested to place equal attention to the mental health needs of the community. In this regard, the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute will begin the implementation of a Mental Health Plan for Bermuda. This will include the launch of an assertive outreach team, a new supervised group home, improved services for autistic children and reform of Bermuda’s forensic mental health services.
And finally – FutureCare!!!
When it comes to FutureCare, some are trying to scare seniors with misinformation. The truth is, FutureCare is designed so that those who need it most, get it first. Already, 2,681 of our seniors are benefiting from the landmark programme. And, even more seniors will be eligible to receive it when phase II begins on 1 April. Minister Roban:
April 2009 saw the implementation of Bermuda’s first affordable insurance plan for seniors – FutureCare.
FutureCare was introduced as a phased plan. The programme has been extremely successful in its first year with 2681 seniors presently enrolled.
Phase II of the plan will come into effect on 1st April 2010. Eligibility for phase II will include:
• persons 70 years of age and older; and
• persons who will turn 65 between the period of 1st April 2010 and 31st March 2011.The implementation of phase II will also mean that our surviving War Veterans will be enrolled in the plan and therefore benefit from the health benefits available under FutureCare.
The monthly premium for persons enrolling as part of phase II of FutureCare will be $600 per month. Those persons presently enrolled in FutureCare will see their premium rise from $260 - $300 per month.
The implementation of Phase II of FutureCare will mean that in its second year of operation, FutureCare will be available to 2/3rds of Bermuda’s senior population.
For those of you wondering when the remaining seniors will enter the plan, I can also report that Phase III of FutureCare will commence effective 1st April 2011 and that phase will see eligibility open to all of Bermuda’s remaining seniors. An extensive communications plan will be implemented effective today to communicate FutureCare eligibility.
The Government portal, effective today, has the eligibility criteria posted.
Effective Monday 1st March, information will be available at the Health Insurance Department at Sofia House, Church Street.
There will also be radio spots running from Monday 1st March until the end of April on all radio stations and CITV and town hall meetings, visits to the popular talk shows and print advertising in order to inform the public and to answer any questions they might have.
If you are, or know of a senior that is not yet enrolled in FutureCare and meets the eligibility requirements, make sure to enroll and take advantage of this landmark benefit that thousands of Bermuda's seniors already enjoy.
