Pilot health benefit success
A pilot health benefit has provided medical care for patients in their homes, while saving the Island’s health system an estimated $100,000.
The Home Medical Services (HMS) pilot benefit was launched by the Bermuda Health Council in collaboration with stakeholders in October 2013.
According to a statement issued by the BHeC, feedback on the pilot benefit from patients has been positive and an evaluation of the services provided during this period found “significant savings” to the health system.
As a result, the benefit will be available on a permanent basis.
The HMS benefit allows patients to receive specific medical procedures in their home as part of their insurance policy. It was introduced under the Health Insurance (Standard Hospital Benefit) Regulations and the covered procedures and their fees are set and regulated by the BHeC.
In order to qualify for the benefit, a patient must be referred by a physician to a BHeC-approved HMS agency, for an approved medical treatment. The care must be provided by a registered nurse, and it must be needed for a limited period of time.
Claims for HMS benefits are covered by all health insurers, including the Government’s plans HIP and FutureCare, without additional charges to the patient. Some of the services and procedures that are offered include: IV antibiotic therapy, pain management, wound care, catheter changes, infusion therapy, nutrition therapy and patient education and training.
The full list of benefits are found on the HMS Fee Schedule, which is available on the BHeC website:
The HMS benefit does not include services performed by a non-medical person, such as home support for daily activities, meal preparation, personal care services and home maker services.
Tawanna Wedderburn, the BHeC director of health regulation, thanked participating physicians and the Bermuda Hospitals Board for their collaboration.
Jennifer Attride-Stirling, CEO of the BHeC, said: “The HMS benefit has been an important addition to the Standard Benefit mandated in all insurance policies. We are pleased that it realised cost savings as anticipated, and are confident that continued appropriate use will generate more material benefits in terms of costs and patient experience”
Simone Barton, chairman of the BHeC, added: “I am extremely pleased that this service is now available for patients and covered by insurance. We need to see more changes in local healthcare delivery that truly drive care to the most appropriate setting to derive the best outcomes for patients and the health system. The Health Council is here to ensure this for Bermuda’s public.”
