Government to Transition Medical Benefits Scheme to National Health Insurance
The Antigua and Barbuda government is moving forward with plans to transition the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) into a full National Health Insurance (NHI) system, aiming to expand healthcare coverage for citizens.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed the initiative during a recent interview on Pointe FM, stating that the planning process is in its final stages, with technical assistance from the United Nations (UN) to help structure the program.
“We are pretty close to establishing a National Health Insurance scheme,” Browne said. “The idea is to expand coverage beyond what MBS currently provides, offering more comprehensive medical benefits and ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare.”
Currently, employers and employees contribute to MBS, which primarily covers select chronic illnesses and prescription medications.
The new NHI system is expected to broaden coverage to include more medical conditions, hospital services, and specialized treatments, reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Browne noted that the transition will require policy adjustments and financial restructuring, but he expects significant progress within the year.
The government has also been working on healthcare infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a $21 million renal center and upgrades to the Cancer Center, to ensure the country’s medical facilities can support the expanded healthcare system.
While a formal launch date has not yet been announced, the government is expected to finalize the framework for the NHI system soon and provide further details on implementation.
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will it truly cover everyone without added costs?
Hope this improves healthcare for all.
I wonder if this plan will actually fall through.
Yes we need a government provided healthcare system. But I fail to see how it will operate with the private healthcare companies presently operating. Will it be in collaboration with State Insurance, another government operated Insurance Company? Or will we just have an expanded MBS in which we are mandated to put our money. If that is the case I find it a form of dictatorship. Because I want to chose my own insurance company. Taking 3.5% of my salary without a sealing could end up being more money than I pay for my private insurance. And i’m getting more benefits from my private insurance. MBS should have a flat mandotory fee that everyone should pay to have basic insurance, but thereafter it should be a free choice where you would buy additional insruance. Private Insurance companies can then focus on the non covered diseases. Healthcare in any country is a Public Right but also a very expensive undertaking. And people do not like to pay for it. Communist Countries like Cuba can therefore provide good healthcare, because it is not privatized. Our healthcare should work like our Education Levy. Everyone contributes and the services are more or less free.
That was a promised made that has not happened. Full time and it would be a great move.
Pm instead of going after the union and taking about using our tax dollars to help the hotel workers to set up a union, simple because they are not unionized by your affiliate unions. This is something that would be welcoming to by all Antiguans across the political divide. Strengthen State insurance and let it carry out this very important mandate. The USA has moved away from WHO making this even more important for us to be able to take care of ourselves.
Please don’t make this another talk shop but a front burner priority.
In 1billon percent support.
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