Over 100 Seniors Attend Health Insurance Forum
Over a hundred seniors showed up at a recent seminar to learn more about the new benefits and premium changes that became effective on September 1st for HIP and FutureCare policy holders.
The information session hosted for members of Age Concern provided details on the substantial insurance coverage changes for HIP and FutureCare insurance plans that have now come into effect.
“The session was extremely well-attended, in fact it was oversubscribed. We regret that we had to turn many seniors away. We will however work with the Health Insurance Department to determine if we can host another session shortly.” stated Mrs. Claudette Fleming, Executive Director of Age Concern.
Age Concern’s Advocacy Chairperson Mr. Charles Jeffers stated, “The event was the best, most informative session that we have ever had. The presentations and the participant responses were quite good”.
Positive responses to the information shared were also garnered from Age Concern member, Ms. Janet Bird, “I’d like to thank Age Concern, I learned a lot and feel better informed. Well done!”
Attendee, 82 year old Mr. Raymond Deshields indicated, “I’ll admit there was a great deal of information and I don’t quite understand everything but I do understand a lot more of how the plan works than I did before.”
The session was also attended by a number of healthcare service providers and physicians who had a curiosity as to what the new changes entailed.
Dr. Don Phillips MD, PhD, indicated, “The session was quite informative and the coverage proposed is good. I think it will also be good if insurance coverage is extended in the future to include nursing home care as well”.
Dr. June Hill expressed, “I just joined Age Concern today. I have a genuine curiosity because I am getting older. I have also always been interested in public health because it affects us all. We have a growing seniors’ population that we have to be watching out for. The presentations were excellent and the participant responses were intelligent. Congratulations to Age Concern.”
The session also proved an education process to the health insurance presenters. Mr. Leon Bascome, CEO of MoonGate Insurance explained, “I have done a number of seminars with Age Concern over the past few years but this one was a little different. The fact that the seminar was so well attended on such short notice proves that more information on insurance coverage is needed.
“It is obvious to me that the education process that Age Concern is undertaking with its membership is beginning to pay off, as the questions from participants were a lot more detailed and complex. I think going forward we as insurers will be facing a more informed consumer who want their questions answered and their expectations met.
“I was also impressed with the amount of younger adult children in the room who are learning with their parents how to make informed choices. Age Concern is doing a fantastic job in educating seniors and their families on these important topics.”
According to Mr. Calvin White, Acting Director of the Health Insurance Department of the Bermuda, “We were very pleased with the outcome and the turnout. It is important that the information that is made available about HIP and FutureCare, is accurate and based on fact and not emotions.
“We understand that people were turned away from the information sessions today because there was no room to accommodate them, we are prepared to work with Age Concern to provide another opportunity to share this important information.”
“The session on September 1st was hosted for information purposes only. Age Concern members will have another opportunity to speak directly to Health, Seniors, and Environment Minister, the Hon. Jeanne Atherden at Age Concern’s, Annual General Meeting to be held on September 15, 2015 at 1:00 – 3:00pm at the Evangelical Church Hall in Paget to voice any specific concerns that they may have about the new changes.” Mrs. Fleming added.
For more information about Age Concern’s AGM on September 15, 2015 contact Age Concern by telephoning 238-7525 or send an email to: info@ageconcern.bm to register.
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