Government weighs up private health scheme idea

Discussions have taken place about a "government private health scheme" in Jersey, the island's chief minister has confirmed.

Lyndon Farnham responded to a question from Deputy Jonathan Renouf in the States Assembly and said "no decisions have been made", but he believed it could be "part of the mix".

It comes as the health department continues to look at different cost-saving measures.

Farnham said it was "a duty of government to explore all the options, and that's what we've been trying to do".

During questions without notice, Renouf asked the chief minister whether the government was "working on any plans to extend private health insurance to islanders and if so, whether any discussions have been held with any insurance providers?".

Farnham replied: "Yes, there have been discussions over the past 18 months, I believe, and I think some discussions and costings have been obtained from private health insurers about having a government private health scheme".

"No decisions have been made on that yet, but I believe that could be part of the mix of further discussions," he said.

Farnham was pressed by Renouf on whether he could provide any further details about what a private health scheme would look like, and who it would be intended to cover.

The chief minister replied at this stage it was "simply an idea, as part of our work to consider all options to improve healthcare, to improve funding".

He continued "there's been very high level discussions".

"It might not go any further than that, but I think it is a duty of government to explore all the options, and that's what we've been trying to do.

"The health minister is leading the work on health funding and is doing a thorough job and will bring forward his recommendations and proposals in due course," he said.

It comes after cost-saving proposals were revealed earlier in February that could see the wealthiest 30% of islanders billed for their travel and accommodation when referred off island for treatment.

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