The National Coalition
For Health Care Reform

Press Release - 2nd April, 2007

Employers Overwhelming Favor Alternatives to Proposed NHI

Results from a survey commissioned by the National Coalition for Health Care Reform indicate considerable concerns about the approach being advanced by the Government. While virtually all employers supported reforms to the current health care insurance system, and most are in agreement with the Coalition's position in support of universal coverage, only 21% of employers stated that the Government's proposed scheme is the 'most preferred option'.

The results are from an independent survey conducted by The Segal Company, a global leader in benefits, compensation and human resources consulting. The sampling survey covers a representative grouping of 82 employers covering all sectors of the economy and sizes of businesses. Half of those surveyed are categorized as small businesses, with 35% being medium-sized businesses and 19% large enterprises. The total employment for those firms surveyed is over 13,000.

Seventy-Nine (79) percent of the employers surveyed offered alternative solutions to meeting the nation's health care needs and ensuring either universal coverage or some level of coverage for Bahamians.

Alternative approaches to the Government's plan which were advanced by the respondents include: mandatory private insurance group plans for all companies and employees; maintaining the current system, with improvements; full privatization of the Health Care System with a back up voucher system issued by the Government for individuals to chose their health care providers; an NHI system limited only to catastrophic coverage; and a mandatory NHI scheme, but administered privately, as opposed to the National Insurance Board.

"This response shows a genuine desire by the private sector to address the nation's health care needs but considerable concern about having a mandatory NHI scheme administered through the National Insurance Board" states Coalition representative Winston Rolle.

When asked if they would maintain their current private insurance for employees after the introduction of the Government's National Health Insurance program, 43% were uncertain, 29% said they would, and 29% indicated they would not. Of those who indicated they would retain coverage, 81% said they would seek to scale back coverage to include only those areas not covered by National Health Insurance.

"There is a great deal of uncertainty as to what will happen with people's private insurance and the private insurance market with the introduction of a nationalized system. This unknown would appear to make it difficult for private insurers, employers and the Government to have a clear understanding of the NHI's plan on their budgeting and financial planning and is a cause of concern for employers and employees alike " according to Mr. Rolle.

The full results of the survey are being reviewed by the Coalition and will be made available over the coming weeks.

The National Coalition for Health Care Reform represents a cross-section of the nation's leading business, professional and labour organizations which are committed to working toward introduction of a sustainable program of universal healthcare which embraces the principle of consumer choice.

Member organizations of the Coalition include: the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, the National Congress of Trade Unions, the Medical Association of the Bahamas, the Bahamas Hotel Association, the Bahamas Employer's Confederation, the Small Business Association of The Bahamas, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, the Bahamas General Insurance Association, the Bahamas Hotel Employer's Association, the Nassau Tourism & Development Board, the Nassau Institute, the Bahamas Dental Association, the Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association, the Bahamas Manufacturers' Agents and Wholesalers Association, Doctors Hospital, and the Grand Bahama Medical & Dental Association.

Public Release 21st March, 2007   ||   Press Release 11th April, 2007