Government last night dismissed claims by Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson that seniors had missed deadlines to apply for FutureCare because they were poorly promoted.

Mrs Jackson had claimed that seniors who were members of HIP were told to fill out FutureCare forms by March 23 — last Monday.

But in a strongly-worded statement, Health Minister Nelson Bascome said Mrs. Jackson’s claims were wrong and had created unnecessary anxiety.

The Minister said: “Let me be clear, there is not now, nor has there ever been, an application process or deadline for persons to sign up for FutureCare.

“It was just a few weeks ago that I announced in the House of Assembly that FutureCare would be rolled out in phases. I noted that in the first phase FutureCare would only include those persons presently enrolled in HIP, persons turning 65 during this calendar year and those persons over 65 who qualify for Financial Assistance.

“No seniors who are members of HIP have been required to fill out a FutureCare application form. This unfounded statement does nothing but create confusion and concern amongst our senior population.”

Mr. Bascome said people currently enrolled in HIP do not have to do anything “until such time as they receive their enrollment information from the Government Health Insurance Section”.

He said that Government would be hosting Town Hall meetings, sending out brochures and providing information through the media. “There is no need for HIP clients to go to our offices to seek information,” he added.

“This roll-out is designed to meet the needs of those who need it most. The present economic climate does not allow for enrollment of every senior that would like to be part of the programme. Persons who presently have insurance with the private sector are encouraged to maintain that insurance.

“We will be reviewing the economic situation and providing information as the fiscal year unfolds. This will determine the extent to which FutureCare will expand in the next year.”