Published: 01 April 2014
Integration of health and wellbeing services with general health services
The Government is committed to the introduction of a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need, not ability to pay. Under universal health insurance (UHI), everyone will be insured for a standard package of primary and hospital care services, including mental health services. Insurance will be provided under a multi-payer insurer model with no distinction between ‘public’ and ‘private’ patients.
It is understood that, while primary and hospital care will be funded mainly via the UHI system (with purchasing largely devolved to insurers), specialised care services, public health services and social care services, including long-term care, will be funded by general taxation. While funded separately, these services will be delivered in an integrated manner around the needs of the person. The purpose of the review is to supplement the overall work module on the basket of services referred to above as well as into wider health reform work.