SURVEY OF 12,000+ CONSUMERS REJECT GOVERNMENT’S INTRODUCTION OF LIFETIME COMMUNITY RATING

The introduction of Lifetime Community Rating could prove costly for the current government. A survey of 12,000+ consumers found that just 16% of those without Private Health insurance say the introduction of Lifetime Community Rating will make them take it up.

Under the current proposal, from May 2015, anyone entering the Private Health Insurance market after the age of 34 will be penalized by a 2% loading to their premium for every year they’ve been out of the system.

The survey data collected from registrants of the Big Health Insurance Switch campaign shows that the system, which aims to bring young people back into the market, won’t work.

The data found that:

•  Just 18% of those aged 24 – 34 without Private Health Insurance said the Introduction of lifetime community rating would make them take it up.
• Just 9% of those with and without Private Health Insurance indicated they support it’s introduction
• Just 12% said the government’s introduction of Lifetime Community Rating would make them likely to vote for them at the next election.

“The introduction of lifetime community rating won’t work in its current structure. It will only serve to block those who can’t afford it now out for life. ” Said One Big Switch Director of Campaigns, Sarah Ryan.

A significant 39% of Big Health Insurance Switch registrants without health insurance believe the introduction of a system where they’re forced to pay an extra levy at tax time, which costs more than the cheapest Private Health Insurance plan would make them take up Health Insurance.

“Affordability is clearly the issue currently affecting the Health Insurance system. To add price penalties to already expensive Health Insurance premiums won’t motivate people to buy Private Health Insurance.” Said One Big Switch Director of Campaigns, Sarah Ryan.

“What we believe will motivate them is more affordable offers. Anyone interested in more affordable Private Health Insurance should join the Big Health Insurance Switch.”

12,000+ Irish consumers have already joined the Big Health Insurance. One Big Switch aim to use their collective buying power to negotiate more affordable health insurance offers for all consumers. Anyone can join the campaign cost and obligation free at OneBigSwitch.ie.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

David Liston, One Big Switch Lead Campaigner

EMAIL: David@onebigswitch.com.au | PHONE: 086 393 5073