CCRP health and life insurance scheme
ON DECEMBER 1, 2019, an innovative policy was incepted for all members of the CCRP. Membership is available to all age 50 and above and, therefore, includes senior citizens who have found it difficult to access health insurance coverage because of age or underlying medical conditions or, in fact, both. Gallagher is proud to be a partner in this offering together with the CCRP and the underwriters, Sagicor.
The policy is designed to protect the members for the following main benefits:
1. Doctor’s visits;
2. Prescription drugs;
3. X-rays and other diagnostic procedures;
4. Hospital expenses;
5. Surgical benefits;
6. Optical and dental;
7. Life coverage for J$500,000
8. Coverage for members and dependents.
There are many other benefits available and included in the plan.
Initially, there was a period of open enrolment, when any member could join without evidence of insurability and with no age limit. Since then, all new entrants will have to produce evidence of such, and there is an age limit of 80. There will be a sixmonth waiting period for pre-existing conditions for new applicants.
The new scheme has proven to be very successful and, to date, nearly 8,500 members have signed up for the cover. After nine months, the plan has paid out 83,000 claims at a total cost of J$600m. This is mainly under the headings as listed above.
The plan will be renewed on December 1, and it is likely that there will be an increase in the premiums payable, in view of the claims experience. Discussions are ongoing as we seek to negotiate the renewal terms.
It is important for each member to ensure that all premiums are paid up to date as at renewal. All persons in arrears will be terminated. This will mean that any reinstatement will require full evidence of insurability.
All members who have been diagnosed with chronic conditions are urged to sign up with the National Health Fund and use the cards that the fund will provide at the pharmacy when purchasing certain drugs. This will have the impact of reducing the cost to each member, as there is a 20 per cent co-payment to be made, and will also reduce the claims’ impact on the scheme and protect your premiums in the future.
Once again, Gallagher is very pleased to be associated with this plan, which is seen as a major boost to the people of Jamaica and, in particular, our seniors.