During the Government’s first weekly press conference of the year, held on Monday, January 11th, the CEO of the Health Authority of Anguilla, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams, was on hand to respond to a question posed by Radio Anguilla’s Information Officer, Ms.Felicia Hennis. It pertained to increased healthcare fees and the mode of payment. Ms. Hennis’ question follows:
“My question is on the increase in health service fees. A number of persons are concerned about the fees being increased at this time. During the budget debate, the Premier appealed to landlords, ANGLEC and the telecommunications providers to be lenient and sympathetic to customers. So with the increase in healthcare fees what kind of arrangements would be in place if persons are not able to pay the pertinent fees immediately?”
Mrs. Demis-Adams responded: “as it relates to safety nets and mechanisms for making payments to the Health Authority of Anguilla, there has always been a payment plan in place. That plan can be accessed via our Accounts Department. Interested persons can always ask questions, as it relates to payment plan, at the Cashier’s counter. The Cashier would then refer such persons to the Accounts Department.”
The CEO made mention of the safety net which the Government of Anguilla offers: “At the Department of Social Development, there is a programme that provides assistance to persons who cannot pay the cost of healthcare. Our clinicians are quite versed in that area, and they would normally write referrals for those who need care but can’t afford to pay.”
Ms. Hennis asked further: “Can you say how much money is owed to the Health Authority of Anguilla, and what arrangements are in place to collect those funds?”
Mrs. Demis-Adams replied: “There is a two-prong payment structure: 1. where the government pays on behalf of the client, as was explained earlier; and 2. where the client pays out-of-pocket. It is these persons, mainly, that constitute those who owe amounts owed to the Health Authority of Anguilla. On an average, the debt owed works out to 10% of our Patient Revenue. This means that annually approximately EC$1.5 million is owed by clients for healthcare services. These are uncollected fees.”
She explained that this amount owed represents a reduction in comparison to previous years: “The amounts owed have improved drastically over the years. Due to our efficient payment plans, we were able to make it easier for our clients to make manageable remittances. In addition, we have created a Collections Department that works effectively with clients in collecting unpaid fees.”
“Whenever you have a system where persons have to pay for services directly, there will be situations where persons are unable to pay all at once,” she observed.”
Another related question was fielded by Mrs. Brenda Carty, Correspondent of The Daily Herald newspaper of St. Maarten. She asked: “We have heard that the cost of services will be increased by 40%, 50% etc., but we have no idea of what the current prices are. Can you kindly enlighten us?”
The CEO answered: “The fee structure is comprehensive. It is an Excel spreadsheet with a host of figures for various line items. While I do not have those figures at hand, I can speak on average increases in terms of costs. For example, the average increase on lab fees is EC$30. We have to appreciate that even with the increases across the board, these increases do not cover the cost of delivering the services. More than 50% of the services that we deliver are significantly subsidised by the Government of Anguilla.”
Mrs. Demis-Adams mentioned that the work of the Health Authority of Anguilla comes with the assurance that quality healthcare is being offered to all clients at all times. “That quality healthcare,” she observed, “comes at a cost.” She said that with the new fee increases the actual cost of services will be covered to some degree.
She revealed that currently the Health Authority is working diligently with Accreditation Canada which is a healthcare standards organisation that promotes the optimum level of healthcare. “In improving the quality of care that we provide, we are working towards accreditation,” she said. “And the important thing that persons must realise is that we never turn patients away. As long as you have an emergency, and you are in need of medical care you will be seen whether you owe $5.00 or $5,000.00.”
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
