HEALTH INSURANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 115, 11 November 1935, Page 4

HEALTH INSURANCE

GOVERNMENT'S PLANS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) DARGAVILLE, November 9.

Two important points in the Government's policy were developed today by the Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) in the course of speeches in the Kaipara electorate. As soon as practicable the Government proposes to introduce a nominal contributory pension scheme and a scheme for national health" insurance.

Mr. Coates said the importance of insurance against sickness, invalidity, widowhood, and orphanhood and provision for old age could not be overemphasised, and the Government desired to introduce comprehensive proposals along these lines as soon as possible. The national benefits on such a basis could be justified on several grounds. The majority of wage-earn-ers were not in a position to make adequate provision out of income, and even where their financial position enabled them to provide for the future through friendly societies, insurance companies, or the National Provident Fund, many did not do so. The national scheme would enable more adequate and comprehensive provision to be made on a basis' of given costs, and would allow for a system of administration convenient to the contributor.

"It would appear desirable," Mr. Coates continued, "that any proposals should be made to apply to employees not already covered by satisfactory schemes, except those in a position to make independent arrangements. It would also be of value to enable farmers, professional men, shopkeepers, and others working on their'own account to contribute on. a voluntary basis. There is much to be said for arranging a threefold basis of contribution by employer, employee, and the State. Many businesses already have their own superannuation schemes, and I know most employers would welcome the opportunity of supporting projects designed to safeguard staffs.

"The Government proposals will be designed to facilitate full co-operation with friendly societies, the medical profession, hospital boards, and private employers. There is no intention of brushing aside the work they have already done. A full opportunity will also be given for public discussion before any schemes are launched.

"Both the Labour and Democrat Parties include similar proposals in their platforms. The Government's plans differ from those of the other parties in at least two important respects. In the first place they have already been subject to an extensive inquiry and will not be instituted until it is clear that the costs can be I adequately covered."