Health Insurance (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act

What this bill does

This bill makes two main changes to Bermuda's health insurance system. It gives people extra time (90 days instead of the usual period) to pay health insurance premiums that were due between February 1 and April 1, 2020, and it allows telehealth services to be covered by insurance at the same rate as in-person doctor visits.

If passed (voted YES)

• People who couldn't pay their health insurance premiums on time between February-April 2020 get an extra 90 days without losing their coverage
• Telehealth services (remote medical consultations) become covered benefits under both the regular health insurance plan and FutureCare plan
• Healthcare providers in Bermuda can be reimbursed for providing telehealth services at the same rate they would receive for office visits

If rejected (voted NO)

• People who missed premium payments in early 2020 would not get the extended grace period and could have lost their health insurance coverage
• Telehealth services would not be officially covered benefits under Bermuda's health insurance plans
• Healthcare providers would not be guaranteed reimbursement for remote medical services they provide

Who it affects

This bill affects all Bermudians with health insurance or FutureCare coverage, particularly those who had difficulty paying premiums in early 2020 and anyone who wants to use telehealth services. Healthcare providers in Bermuda who offer remote medical consultations are also directly impacted.