Vol. 543 No. 2
441 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 12 April 2001, regulations have been made to enable persons aged 65 or over, who decide they wish to avail of private health insurance cover for the first time, or wish to renew cover after a material break in previous cover to do so; if not, when such regulations will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26686/01]
The Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2001, was enacted on 27 June 2001. The Act includes provision to enable persons aged 65 or over, who decide that they wish to avail of private health insurance cover for the first time, or wish to renew cover after a material break in previous cover, to do so.
The position is that a significant body of regulations needs to be prepared to give effect to the provisions contained in the Act, and priority has been given to those relating to risk equalisation. It is envisaged that other regulations, including those to enable persons aged 65 or over to avail of private health insurance, will be prepared as soon as possible in the new year.
