The Ministry of Health and Seniors has released the Health Insurance Department’s annual report for FutureCare and the Health Insurance Plan.

According to the report, which covers the period from April 2015 to March 2016, the number of policyholders have continued to grow while the cost for policies have remained unchanged.

The report also notes several new benefits that have been rolled out this year, including coverage for peripheral artery disease screening, plasma exchanges and high-risk podiatry.

A spokeswoman said the Health Insurance Department paid $87.8 million for products and services used by policyholders, and that premiums would be 2.5 times higher if it were not for the funding from Government and the Mutual Reinsurance Fund.

Laquita Burrows, director of health, said: “Monthly premiums remained the same as they were in 2014/2015, and we have intentionally kept premiums as low as possible to ensure that the majority of residents can purchase insurance coverage.”

Meanwhile Jeanne Atherden, the Minister of Health and Seniors, added: “We want to do all we can to keep premiums within reach of most people. Further, we want to be transparent about how money is being spent.”

For a PDF of the full report, click on the PDF link under “Related Media” or visit department’s website.