Tuesday, 23rd March 2021 — Anguilla does not offer a national healthcare plan for citizens like the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. So, unless an individual is gainfully employed, on another person’s health insurance plan, or has money to pay out-of-pocket for dental, medical and vision services, there’s no other choice than to forego consulting healthcare providers and face any ensuing consequences.
There are many locals in the Anguilla community who are currently unemployed, underemployed or have limited incomes – and cannot afford to pay for private health insurance policies. In such cases, they must pay out of their pockets for healthcare expenses.
With all the duress and stresses that every one of us is experiencing during this global pandemic, and with the state of depressed economies, our health is a valuable asset that we must protect. If a person cannot access proper healthcare because he/she does not have the means to pay for these services, then we, as a society, and in cooperation with government officials, must find a viable solution.
At least twice, the Government of Anguilla’s Ministry of Health attempted to develop and implement a national health insurance plan. Yet, to date, nothing has materialised.
The past and present Anguilla governments incurred astronomical debts, which cannot be repaid by tax-paying citizens within the foreseeable future. Yet, as nationals/residents contributing to the Treasury’s revenue, we need our financial burdens eased, and not to continually increase as is currently happening. Providing an affordable national healthcare plan is one way of Government benefitting the local populace.
Even though Anguilla’s health services are less costly than elsewhere, recent significant increases in the Health Authority of Anguilla fees are a concern for everyone. The cost of hospitalisation, surgeries and medical treatment for acute and chronic diseases can be exorbitant and become burdensome.
The increased fees charged for public healthcare services correlate to the renovations and upgrade to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the District Clinics. With these improvements, it is time for the Government of Anguilla, perhaps in collaboration with the Social Security Board, to implement a national health insurance plan.
A sliding scale system could be implemented to cover people’s healthcare costs. Insurance premiums, and associated healthcare services fees, can be based on an individual/family’s income level. Those who have greater resources will contribute towards paying for persons who have far less. Sponsorship donations may also be solicited to help cover additional or outstanding expenses. These are some suggested ideas for us to consider.
In the Caribbean, and across the globe, there are areas for improvement in the healthcare policies offered to every citizen and a local resident. Until recently, mental health and post-traumatic stress disorders were not a part of the whole healthcare package offered to employees, business owners and independent persons.
Sometimes health insurance plans do not also include dental and vision nor holistic alternatives. It seems odd as these are all part of an individual’s overall health and wellness.
For example, Germany is one of the European countries where naturopathic medicine and therapies are a part of people’s standard healthcare options. They are customarily included with the health services offered, and no additional premiums are charged or separate policies added.
As with all insurance policies, the premiums of those who do not file any claims cover the costs for persons claiming healthcare benefits. It may seem unfair, especially if one is healthy. Nonetheless, this is how insurance companies/plans function.
Worldwide elected representatives of governments ought to see the benefits of increasing the Administration’s social responsibility too, include national health insurance plans as a part of their countries development agendas. Implementing such acts will certainly help create healthier and more sustainable societies.
When people have access to the healthcare they can afford, they are prone to visit healthcare providers and obtain the necessary health treatments. With affordable healthcare for everyone – that is well priced based on various socio-economic levels – each person will have access to the services he or she needs.
People who are blessed with bountiful wealth and philanthropic responsibility must realise that with substantial supportive initiatives, we will help create a better world in which all citizens have three indispensable living conditions – affordable healthcare, decent housing and liveable wages. If we uphold our humanitarian endeavours, then the huge gap between the haves and have nots will dissolve.
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Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who uses the nom de plume, The Empress Extraordinaire. Her words encourage us to explore who we are, evolve as human beings and transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com.
