FDM outlines healthcare policy
The Free Democratic Movement hopes to reduce health costs and expand access to care on the island.
A statement said the party’s healthcare policy “represents a pivotal step towards a healthier, more sustainable Bermuda by addressing root causes of health issues and removing barriers to access”.
The FDM plans to remove these barriers through promoting competition between private clinics, hospitals and direct-pay practices, which it also believes would reduce costs.
It would also require all care providers on the island to publish their service costs by 2026 and increase the number of local clinics.
The FDM will address mental health and substance use challenges as medical issues that require treatment instead of crimes that need to be punished.
The statement said: “By shifting the focus to rehabilitation over punishment, the policy aims to better integrate individuals into society while reducing the stigma surrounding these conditions.”
It added that promoting preventive care and naturopathic medicine lowers costs and “improves overall wellbeing by focusing on disease prevention rather than reactionary care”.
The statement explained that allowing policyholders to receive reduced premiums or enhanced benefits through mutual insurance models “incentivises healthier lifestyles and encourages more responsible use of medical services”.
Other plans include removing restrictions that limit health innovation and increase costs and providing insurance separate from employment.
• To see the FDM healthcare policy in full, see Related Media
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