'PEH bedside robbery'

THE Health Department has been accused of 'bedside robbery' after increasing charges for private patients by almost a quarter.

A major health insurer has warned that patients and businesses will suffer as premiums rocket.

WPA spoke out after the introduction of a tier-based charging system - depending on the complexity of any procedure and the care given - for private patients.

It claimed this year's charges amounted to a 23% increase on 2008.

The insurer is refusing to pay the hospital until the matter has been clarified. It wrote to customers informing them of the increases and warning that premiums would rise.

It said Health and Social Services had claimed the restructured prices were designed to be 'cost neutral', although WPA told customers it had been informed the department knew the change would result in a significant price hike.

Corporate communications director Charlie MacEwan said insurers would not be able to absorb the increases.

Premiums would therefore go up, both for businesses who provided health cover as part of their employment package and for individuals.

'We are a not-for-profit company,' he said. 'We will absorb as much of the extra costs as possible, but clearly there will be a knock-on effect.

'Ultimately, the over 65s will see their premiums go up by 20% and the under 65s will see theirs go up by 14%.

'It's almost bedside robbery and treating the sick as cash cows.'

An Health spokesman admitted charges had increased, but would neither confirm nor deny WPA's 23% claim.