§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health the number of National Health insured persons who have been deprived of sickness and maternity benefit since January last; whether such persons apply to public assistance committees for medical assistance; and, if so, whether they are subject to the means test?
Sir H. YOUNGThe number of persons who ceased to be entitled to cash benefits under the National Health Insurance scheme on 31st December, 1932, was approximately 70,000. These persons are still entitled to medical benefit under the Act.
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§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health the total amount deducted from the contributions of National Health insured persons per annum for the administrative costs of insurance committees and the cost of such committees per annum; whether there is a credit balance in this account and, if so, for what purpose the money is allocated; and whether he will consider the advisability of continuing o medical benefit to unemployed insured persons from this fund?
Sir H. YOUNGUnder Section 2 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1926, a sum not exceeding 13s. per member per annum is payable by approved societies in respect of the provision of medical benefit, and out of this sum a sum not exceeding 6d. per member per annum is available for the administrative expenses of insurance committees. During the last few years the actual amount spent by insurance committees on administration has been slightly less than the product of the 6d. available, but in far As the cost of the service is less than the maximum sum of 13s. per member, any such unexpended amount falls to be taken into account in determining the future charges to be made to approved societies. I have no power to utilise any such balance for the provision of medical benefit for persons who cease to be insured under the Acts.