Supporting the NHS as it feels the pinch
As the squeeze on NHS finances tightens, some parts of the health service are looking to cut back on the amount of minor procedures being carried out. Sam Barrett asks what solutions are on the table to privately-funded treatment of “low clinical value” – and what providers’ plans are for the future.
Pressure on NHS budgets means some healthcare services are suffering. But, although there is still uncertainty over what is and what is not available on the NHS, the health insurance industry is ready to fill the gaps.
"We’re always watching what’s happening in the NHS and how our plans can adapt to address our customers’ healthcare requirements," says Paul Shires, sales and marketing director at Westfield Health. "At the moment we’re seeing lots of media coverage of the rationing and withdrawal of some of the non-urgent procedures. This could affect our policyholders and we’re monitoring feedback to ensure we continue to meet their needs."
There are plenty of examples of NHS services being affected. One of the more high profile cases dates back to October 2011, when a GP group in York sent out letters to around 30 of its NHS patients awaiting minor surgical procedures such as mole removal and ingrowing toenails, explaining that these procedures were no longer funded by the NHS. Instead it suggested they sought private treatment, recommending a number of clinics including its own.
And it is not the only instance of services being withdrawn. An investigation by the Daily Telegraph last December found that 20 of the 145 primary care trusts in England were cutting the services they provided. Examples of areas affected included NHS Warwickshire cutting low priority treatments such as injections for back pain; NHS Greater Manchester refusing surgery for mild varicose veins and limiting it for the removal of warts or tonsils; and cutbacks on eligibility for fertility treatment.
It also found evidence of the tightening of restrictions for treatment, with smoking and obesity being used to prevent more patients having procedures on the NHS. Some trusts had even taken the weight issue a step further, requiring overweight people to shed the excess before they’d be considered for treatment.
But while these moves are worrying, some of the healthcare cash plan providers are already signalling their interest in stepping into the breach.
"Where there is a squeeze on the NHS, a cash plan can fill the gap," says Howard Hughes, head of employer marketing at Simplyhealth. "We’ve already seen this with dental, optical and therapies and we’re keeping a close eye on developments within the NHS. Given what’s happening, we may look to include minor surgery in the future."
What’s available?
Some cash plan providers already include some cover for minor surgical procedures. Westfield Health has gone the furthest with its Surgery Choices option, which can be included on the individual scheme it offers through its online brand Health365 as well as on its corporate schemes.
This option gives policyholders access to 60 non-urgent surgical procedures such as treatment for gynaecological conditions, hernias, knee problems and varicose veins. On corporate schemes this costs an extra £1.24 a week per employee while on Health365, individuals pay a further £6 a month for cover.