FutureCare was yesterday labelled a discriminatory scheme by Opposition MP Louise Jackson.

The Shadow Health Minister spoke out after Government senator Thaao Dill said people were "making stuff up" and causing fear among the elderly when they criticised the plan.

Mrs. Jackson argued it was wrong to have two different rates based on the time persons became eligible for FutureCare. And she suggested that means testing would be the fairest way to run the scheme.

"It is wrong," Mrs. Jackson said. "To have one group paying one fee and another group paying another fee when they are getting the same benefits."

Benefits include unlimited physician visits, $2,000 prescription drugs coverage, vision and dental care as well as overseas care.

Mrs. Jackson added that many seniors enrolled in the first phase of FutureCare were concerned by the $38 jump in monthly premium, to $300.

She said many told her they were worried about how they would pay the extra.

An additional 5,471 seniors persons either over 70 or who turn 65 this fiscal year become eligible for the scheme next month. Their monthly fee will be $600. The opening of phase two means that approximately two thirds of the senior population is now eligible to participate in FutureCare.

Mrs. Jackson told this paper she was concerned about the 240 seniors without any health care at all, and the fact that the plan discriminated against those seniors aged 66-69, who will not be admitted to FutureCare until April 2011.

She added that her party had warned FutureCare would cost too much when it was first announced as a Progressive Labour Party election pledge.

When asked what she would do to ensure seniors got affordable health care but not bankrupt Bermuda, she said: "FutureCare needs a means test to ascertain fairness.

"It should be for seniors who cannot afford health care."