You may also be interested in:
August 15, 2003
EconoBlue, an innovative new health plan for low-income earners and others wishing to save on their health insurance costs, will be playing a double role, by providing long term health benefits for the country.
Launched on July 7 by Blue Cross of Jamaica, the Island’s oldest and largest provider of health insurance, EconoBlue features the most affordable premiums available nationally -- from $570 (plus tax) monthly for an individual – and a number of other attractive features. These include shared payments (between the Company and the subscriber, as well as between employers and employees) for doctor’s visits, hospital room and board, prescription drugs, surgeon’s fees and maternal deliveries.
EconoBlue’s most obvious benefits accrue individually, especially to those traditionally earning small salaries, or working independently, such as domestic workers and casual labourers, for whom the plan was specially designed. However, Dr. James Peart, who practices in the Portmore Area, and who is one of the health providers offering lower rates to EconoBlue policyholders, sees additional advantages for the society as a whole, in the long term.
“I think it is a good attempt to bring in some more people into the net of getting proper health insurance,” he notes, “Because only about 30% of the population has health insurance, and medical costs are increasing. And although it is a sacrifice on the part of the doctors, the more people who get medical attention at the early stages, the fewer patients you will have coming in with end-stage illnesses. And if people come in earlier, their problems can be managed better, and the advanced stages of the diseases -- especially the chronic diseases -- can be (delayed) further and further into the future.”
Prevention and early treatment is always healthier, safer and more economical than coping with end-stage crises. However, prevention and early treatment often seem out of the reach of those who need them most.
According to Mr. David Garel, Vice President for Marketing with Blue Cross of Jamaica, affordability, which is the main strength of the new EconoBlue health plan, is particularly relevant to the health care status of the majority of Jamaicans.
“Health insurance is not ‘tangible goods’, he points out, “it is not like a bed, or food, it is not something you can touch, and people do prioritize their spending. So because there is really a need for health insurance, we have tried to find a product which can meet the need, while offering affordable access to reasonable health care. And we will not stop with EconoBlue, we will continue to research the needs of the Jamaican marketplace, and to provide relevant and appropriate products and services to serve those needs.”
Despite the fact that EconoBlue is one of the few targeted health care products, Mr. Garel notes that it is not restricted to any occupation or socio economic grouping: “It is available to anyone desiring to supplement their current health insurance scheme,” he says.
“Health care, ranking very close to education in importance, is vital for the progress of any nation, and the partnership that ensues between state provided health care and private sector provided health care, is an important one,” the Blue Cross executive concludes, “So to the extent that we at Blue Cross can alleviate social and physical hardships in the groupings with less earning power, we are certainly committed to making our contribution.”
EconoBlue may be purchased by employers for their employees or individuals may subscribe on their own by contacting Blue Cross of Jamaica’s Customer Services Department. Premiums are payable on a quarterly, half yearly or annual basis.
