More than 1,900 employees got their health insurance back last year after employers were investigated by the Bermuda Health Council.

This resulted in more than $660,000 being collected in health premiums, according to the health watchdog’s annual report on employer compliance with the Health Insurance Act.

“This is a welcome decrease from the previous year when the Health Council aided 3,039 employees,” the Council stated.

Compliance policy analyst Ian Cameron added that the decrease “is indicative of the positive work being done by the Health Council, insurers and businesses to ensure compliance and coverage for employees”.

And he said: “At a time when the health system is seeing an increase in the prevalence of chronic disease with patients using health services, health insurance is vitally important to allow patients access to quality and affordable healthcare.”

According to the report, 458 employers representing 2,581 employees were investigated last year and five inspections were made.

Of those investigated, 393 employers settled their debts and re-established their policies, which led to 1,962 employers getting their health insurance back.

The report added that this resulted in a minimum of $663,293.34 being recovered in Standard Health Benefit Premium on behalf of employees.

The report attributed the decrease in non-compliance to more awareness of legislation through the naming of non-compliant employers on the Council’s website and increased communication online and in print.

It added that the public and affected employees also continue to report inactive insurance coverage and employers are “generally” responsive to the Council’s investigations.

But the report also pointed out that the ratio of uninsured employees to non-compliant employers increased during 2016.

In January, there were 88 employers reported without health insurance coverage for 345 employees and in December there were 46 employers without health insurance coverage for 352 employees.

And while no legal action was pursued in criminal court last year, 24 non-compliant employers were published on the Council’s website. Five of these became compliant.

The report concluded that employees have also highlighted a number of employers who have never obtained health insurance policy for employees.

“In the upcoming months we anticipate targeted inspections in specific industry areas to address these concerns. We invite employers to contact local insurers to obtain a policy.”

According to the Council, every employee working more than 15 hours a week and more than two months a year is entitled to coverage by their employer.

It added: “The employer is responsible for activating and maintaining the health insurance policy, and may deduct half the premium amount from employees’ wages.”

• For clarification of employee rights and employer obligations under the Health Insurance Act 1970, contact the Health Council by e-mailing healthcouncil@bhec.bm