The Tribune

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY 90 percent of respondents in a new survey support the expansion of NHI to provide affordable coverage for high cost medical care — including treatment for widespread cancers, dialysis and heart attacks.

Furthermore, nearly 60 percent of respondents said a combination of employers, employees and the government should pay for universal healthcare.

These results were revealed in a NHIA press statement, which pointed to a new Public Domain survey that canvassed 1,043 Bahamian residents between February 6-18.

National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) chairman Dr Robin Roberts praised the “overwhelming support” illustrated by this recent poll.

“Over the past few months, the NHIA has met with hundreds of Bahamians who have expressed their support for the new direction of NHI Bahamas,” Dr Roberts said.

“Time and time again we’ve heard stories of Bahamians who have avoided getting treatment for illness due to high costs which has led to devastating outcomes. Now we have an opportunity to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare services for all Bahamians.

“The overwhelming support gathered through this latest poll further demonstrates the need for NHI and shows us that we are on the right path towards achieving universal healthcare in The Bahamas.”

There are nearly 50,000 beneficiaries currently enrolled in NHI Bahamas, according to the NHIA statement released yesterday.

“A public opinion poll conducted by Public Domain has revealed that 87 per cent of respondents support the expansion of NHI Bahamas to provide affordable coverage for high cost medical care, such as treatment for prevalent adult cancers and paediatric cancers, heart attack and dialysis with no co-pays or deductibles,” the statement reads.

“In addition, more than half (57 per cent) of respondents said a combination of government, employees and employers should pay for universal healthcare. This was higher among NHI beneficiaries, of which 65 per cent of respondents said a combination of government, employees and employers should pay.”

The statement noted 1,879 beneficiaries were surveyed by the NHIA in a separate poll between February 5-12th.

“With regards to the National Health Insurance Authority’s policy proposal, over three-quarters (78 percent) of respondents support the proposal for NHI, which will ensure all Bahamians get access to a standard package of health benefits, including primary care, coverage for major cancers, dialysis and heart attacks,” the statement continues.

It also noted 96 percent of respondents supported the “principle that all Bahamians should have access to affordable care regardless of their personal health circumstances”.

“In total, 91 percent of respondents completely agreed (83 percent) or somewhat agreed (8 per cent) with the statement: “Current private health insurance plans are too expensive for average Bahamians”

“In total, 91 per cent of respondents completely agreed (86 percent) or somewhat agreed (5 per cent) with the statement: “The cost of health or medical services without insurance is too expensive for average Bahamians”

“Over half (55 per cent) of respondents decided not to access healthcare services in the past when they were ill due to cost.” The statement added “this was higher among NHI beneficiaries who predominantly do not have private health insurance, of which 68 percent of respondents chose not to access healthcare services in the past due to cost”.

“The public consultation paper for NHI Bahamas, which takes into account the feedback received during the consultation period, outlines policy changes that have been incorporated into the final policy proposal which is being submitted to Cabinet for consideration,” the statement concluded.