EU dismisses BUPA case against risk equalisation
The EU today issued a statement that the European Commission acted within its powers in facilitating the introduction of Risk Equalisation in Ireland.
Chief executive of Vhi Healthcare, Vincent Sheridan said: "The decision of the European Court today to dismiss the Bupa action is very good news for consumers in Ireland since a negative judgement could have meant the end of Community Rating for health insurance in this country.
"Community Rating has been the basis of health insurance in Ireland for the past 50 years. Indeed the decision will be welcomed right across Europe as evidenced by the involvement of the Dutch Government in the case".
"Today's decision is bad news for those who wish to use Community Rating as a means of generating windfall profits by way of regulatory arbitrage. It also marks another failed attempt by BUPA to destroy Community Rating in Ireland."
