Universal Health Coverage
Navigating the journey to accessible, affordable, quality healthcare for all.
Vision
The vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Bermuda is to ensure that everyone has equitable access to core health services without experiencing financial hardship.
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Core Benefits Package
The Ministry of Health is currently collaborating with a multi-disciplinary group of clinicians to develop a new insurance benefits package (the Core Benefits Package) that will establish health insurance coverage for a set of core health services to provide safety-net care for all Bermuda residents. It is expected that the Core Benefits Package will include preventative and early intervention healthcare through a Primary Care Physician (i.e., your GP) and mental health support. This may include:
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preventative services such as regular health check-ups with a GP
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health education
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support with developing healthy lifestyle habits
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vaccinations
Being able to get regular check-ups can result in early intervention for potential health issues and thus, better health outcomes and a better quality of life for you overall.
Single-Payor System
The Government intends to move to a single-payor system where all Bermuda residents have health insurance coverage for the Core Benefits Package under one plan. Residents will still be able to choose their own health service providers, but the ultimate payment for those services comes from the single payor. Single-payor systems enhance equity, reduce administration costs, and improve health outcomes by ensuring everyone has core health insurance coverage.
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It is important to note
Those who wish and/or can afford additional health insurance coverage beyond the safety-net services included in the Core Benefits Package will be able to purchase supplemental coverage through one of the Island's existing health insurers.
Governance
Implementing UHC is a multi-year journey that requires extensive collaboration and transparency among all health system stakeholders. Approximately 150 health system stakeholders were invited to join the UHC Governance Framework, which provides the opportunity for the level of collaboration and transparency that is required for success.
The Governance Framework includes the:
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UHC Steering Committee
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UHC Clinical Senate
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UHC Service Provider Forum
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UHC Advocacy Forum
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UHC Financing Forum
UHC Implementation Timeline
Planning for and implementation of UHC began in 2021. Following is a snapshot of our progress and upcoming initiatives.
