More than 2,100 employees regained their health insurance coverage, resulting in the collection of more than $700,000 in health premiums, thanks to the enforcement of the Health Insurance Act last year.

The Bermuda Health Council monitors and enforces employer compliance with the Act, which stipulates that an employer must provide an active health insurance policy with a licensed insurer for him or herself, all employees and their non-employed spouses.

The Health Council’s Employers’ Compliance 2015 report, available on its website, details its investigations including the number of employees affected.

In 2015, its compliance officer investigated 1,016 employers and, after the review, 787 settled premiums in arrears and re-established policies. This accounted for 2,115 employees regaining their health insurance and a minimum of $700,348 recovered in Standard Health Benefit premium.

To investigate the employers, the Health Council receives monthly data from insurers about companies whose health insurance policies have lapsed with claims not being paid. In addition, it receives complaints from the public.

Since June last year, it has also published the names of persistent non-compliant employers on its website. Last year, 15 employers were named on the website and 11 have become compliant. Once employers settle their premium in arrears and establish a new health insurance plan, their names are removed.

The Employers’ Compliance Report 2015 provides the public with additional information regarding the council’s processes and assists with them understanding further their rights in terms of their health insurance.

Ian Cameron, compliance officer, stated: “Over the last year we have witnessed a significant shift in the general awareness of employers in keeping with their obligations under the Health Insurance Act, with the majority doing their part to maintain health insurance coverage for their employees.

“This is especially significant in the midst of this economic climate. Insurers have to be commended as well for their willingness to work with employers to develop payment plans to maintain coverage.

“We have also witnessed an increase in the number of employees who have taken additional responsibility for their own health insurance coverage and come forward with information about their non-complaint employers.”

• For the full report, click on the PDF under “Related Media”