OBA’s Louise Jackson On FutureCare
One Bermuda Alliance [OBA| Parliamentarian Louise Jackson today [Nov. 29] said Government had failed to make sure the elderly are being properly briefed on FutureCare’s different levels of health coverage.,
The Opposition’s spokesperson on seniors affairs, Mrs. Jackson said instead of “minimising confusion, misunderstanding and shock” Government’s FutureCare information campaigns had instead caused distress among older Bermudians.
“We have found that FutureCare clients are shocked to be handed bills of many thousands of dollars for overseas care, professional services and other benefits,” she said. “They are facing significant co-payments for overseas care because FutureCare coverage is limited to 75 percent of Emergency and Recommended Treatment.
“This means seniors are being asked to pay $12,500 on a $50,000 operation or procedure, or $25,000 on a $100,000 operation. Most serious procedures cost within this price range.”
Mrs. Jackson’s Statement Appears In Full Below:
Government has a responsibility to ensure seniors are informed about FutureCare’s different levels of coverage to minimize confusion, misunderstanding and shock.
“Our research shows this has not been the case.
We have found that FutureCare clients are shocked to be handed bills of many thousands of dollars for overseas care, professional services and other benefits.
They are facing significant co-payments for overseas care because FutureCare coverage is limited to 75% of Emergency and Recommended Treatment. This means seniors are being asked to pay $12,500 on a $50,000 operation or procedure, or $25,000 on a $100,000 operation. Most serious procedures cost within this price range.
In a FutureCare brochure on Frequently Asked Questions, question 7 asks: “Will I be covered for overseas treatment?” The answer was: “Yes, overseas care will be provided for emergency procedures or for procedures not offered in Bermuda at rates approved by the Bermuda Health Council.”
Unfortunately, FutureCare forgot to state that it seniors will have to pay 25% for procedures as well as hotel and airfare costs. This information was also missing in the original FutureCare brochure listing benefits. It was corrected in a brochure for FutureCare’s second launch, but the Government should have initiated a targeted mailing to inform seniors who may have been misled by the first brochure.
There are other levels of shock.
Seniors who have come over to FutureCare from the Health Insurance Plan (HIP), which costs $384 a month, thought they were getting the same overseas care they got with HIP. But they are paying much higher rates– $635 a month for 70 year olds and older – or close to the same price – $375 a month for 65 years and older – but getting less for their money.
The issue of FutureCare’s affordability for many seniors will be addressed in another press statement. The first step is to make sure seniors have the best understanding of what FutureCare can and cannot do for them. That has not been the case to date.
Louise, please tell us how much BF&M (16 Million profit per quarter) charges seniors for health insurance.
It STARTS at$1,300 a month!!!
I’m guessing the OBAs plan is, let’s subsidize the private insurers.
As they are just complaining instead of presenting an alternate view.
NewsFlash OBA, BF&M is already making millions off of working people and struggling seniors, they don’t need government assistance!
Mrs. Jackson is just trying to stay out of the old folks home by keeping busy with her UBP crew. As wise as the states woman is why not tell the rest of Bermuda why the UBP change the name to the OBA? Now respond to that!
“Blacks will not vote for the name UBP” this is what she said…..
Why do you all love to get off the topic – take the lead weights out of your conscious and show some intelligence at least.
I am tired of people picking and picking – that is why so many people are cast about – mke your comments on the topic and leave the damned nit picking to Rolf and LAverne…
I have no confidence in this government to “manage” the healthcare sector.
then make your voice heard to your MP as if we don’t do something soon this government is going to implement a national health plan that they haven’t outlined how we are going to finance it yet in enough detail to make me believe that it won’t result in income tax, the loss of international business and more poverty with a lower level of care then we already have
It’s just crazy! My dad has worked all of his life 35YRS for the so called Gov’t. Now he is sick needs treatment overseas and NO ONE cud help Just plain sick.
P.S. Not to mention he never took a sick day or went doctor (always used old school remedies)
INSURANCE AND GOVERMENT IS THE BIGGEST SCAM EVER!!!!!!!!!
OUR POOR SENIORS
FUTURE CARE = FUTURE CRAP
If your “dad” has worked for for the government for 35 years, he should be insured under the Government Employees Health Insurance” (GEHI) scheme.not Future Care or HIP.
Maybe your family needs to speak to either the BPSU or the BIU. Something is wrong with that picture.
Agree ..it is a shame that Goverment does not look out for our foundation our Seniors they have worked so hard with very little that they had and now that they need help no one cares…
Think its time to put this old girl out to pasture. I get so sick of hearing her everytime she opens her mouth it sounds like the old UBP. Maybe it is them hiding behind the gas man.
yep, if you are lucky to reach and surpass Mrs. Jackson’s age, and enjoy any future care benefits and relief, thank her for her tireless nagging on your future behalf.
Because of comments like you more and more people are yearning for the days of the UBP when everyone had a job and could think of and plan a future. Say what you will about the old UBP but give them good governance where everything and everyone worked and contrast it with today where nothing and no one does…….sure put her out to pasture and silence those who speak the truth and believe that Zane knows whats best for you and your family….
Kind of how I feel every time Eva Hodgson writes to the newspapers.
But you are ignorant. Of all MP’s, this is the one who works tirelessly for seniors and you bitch and moan. She points out where the PLP have failed and you bitch and moan.
Bermudians, we must show more respect for MP Jackson. After all, she is an elder in our community. Rather than battling for seniors in the House of Assembly, she could be at home knitting booties for her great-grandchildren.
She has stated on more than one occasion that her own mother (God bless her soul) was a beneficiary of the public health system in the United States, so she knows of what she speaks.
We all should remember that Mrs. Jackson could be benefitting from what the U.S. has to offer seniors, instead, she has chosen to reside in Bermuda and fight for the rights of her peers.
I so agree with you Ms. Furbert. Shame on those of you who criticize her tireless efforts, the fruit of which those who deride her will likely reap one day, if lucky. She is fearless in the face of not just the criticism but also appalling outright disrespect she is shown by her peers. We could use a whole lot more people capable of her honesty in this country and not just lip service. Thank you Mrs. Jackson! Illegitemus Non Carborendum!
Where’s LaVerne and what have you done with her?
I don’t think that’s the real LaVerne that we all so enjoy reading.
It is good to hear you speak so positively, LaVerne. If only your colleague, Mr. Burgess could be persuaded to show at least half as much respect.
I applaud Ms Jackson’s tireless stand for the elderly in our community. I pray for her, that her courage, fortitude and health remain strong in the face of her detractors.
By the way, great pic, Bernews!
Pastor Syl,
I had an epiphany. Next thing you know, I’ll be at your church. I hope I can sit next to Stuart.
Yes, it is a great pic, even if it’s a UBP pic.
Goodness gracious!!!!!!Laverne what de heck is going on with you!! Where’s the real Laverne??? We may start to like you!!!
Take a break girl – you shud be ashamed of yourself with yor comments.. I’ll like put u out to pasture! When you get older you’ll be saying “thank you ms Jackson”
I respect Ms Jackson is an advocate but sometime she get the facts incorrect and this type of information is stressful when our beloved Seniors think they have something that is not there. I believe that in order to make a good comparison we need to look at what private insurers pay and offer verses what Government offeres for the payment. Let’s also remember that people have a choice if they are not happy with what Government offers.
Alison I believe our beloved seniors have been more disappointed in what they thought Future Care would be than what it actually is…Government badly underestimated the costs and oversold the benefits more as an electioneering move than concern for the people