BARP urges Bajans to get health insurance

World Hypertension Day, as she announced that BARP had been successful in renewing the health insurance coverage for members. During the press conference at BARP’s Mervue House, Hastings, Christ Church headquarters, Rice-Bowen said she was concerned that many of the island’s seniors continued to be affected by a range of diseases and illnesses yet had no health coverage. However, through a renewed partnership with Lynch Insurance Brokers Ltd, BARP members are now able to sign on to a health plan without the requirement of medical testing. “There is a need for health insurance here in Barbados. It is heartbreaking to witness on social media and in the media, persons repeatedly coming to the press for assistance to access health care, and it is usually major medical. When you are ill like that, every second counts,” said Rice-Bowen. She said individuals were often unable to raise the full amount required for their medical procedures within a reasonable timeframe. “It is about timing. So when one has health insurance it takes away that [uncertainty] and gives you a sense of independence and that is what we are about – securing your independence,” the BARP head said. She said she was hoping that by the end of July, when the open enrollment for the BARP medical plan closes, there would be fewer people between the ages of 40 and 69 years old without health insurance coverage. Enrollment for the medical plan can be done at the BARP office or at Lynch Insurance Brokers at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall. The plan, which will officially start on August 1, 2023, can be obtained by financial members of BARP. The monthly premiums range from $126.25 per month for individuals ages 40 to 59, and $152.40 for individuals ages 60 to 65 years, to $169.85 per month for members between the ages of 66 and 69 years. “Some might say ‘I can’t afford $126.25. I can’t see where there is room in my budget’. But can you factor in $20 000 or $30 000 for a major illness?” Rice-Bowne said. “This calls for adjusting your budgets. It is necessary. It might mean you buy less of something, you go out less, you buy less fast food. Once you have health insurance, it eliminates the need for you to make public appeals, it eliminates the need for you to go on exhaustive waiting lists, and it gives you that option that if something has to be done you can do it with confidence.” There are currently just over 23 000 financial BARP members eligible to sign up for the health plan. When the health plan was introduced in 2018, only around 8 000 individuals signed up, and when it was last renewed only about 6 000 individuals extended their coverage. Chief Executive Officer of Lynch Insurance Brokers Ltd Gregory Rose said the renewal extension for the health coverage was recently finalised with the health insurers – Sagicor, Trident Insurance and Beacon Insurance Company Ltd. “There are some coverage changes that will be effective for August 1. These will be specific to only two areas – the prescription drugs and cataract surgeries,” said Rose, who indicated that the insurers are to finalise those changes in the coming days. “We were very pleased with the renewal negotiations and the stakeholders have been very involved. We are keen on ensuring the sustainability of this plan. We believe it is critical for those preparing for their retirement and those already managing their retirement.” Officials are expected to engage in an awareness campaign in the coming weeks to promote the medical insurance plan. (MM)]]>